Coming to the dentist can often cause anxiety and nervousness. With advances in modern dentistry, we can safely administer sedation in the dental office to keep you comfortable during your periodontal treatment. Our periodontists at PerioLife have spent years training in dental anesthesia and have completed thousands of sedation dentistry cases.

What are the different types of sedation dentistry?

Based on your individual needs, sedation will be customized for your situation. Regardless of the level of sedation you choose, you will be provided the most comfortable dental chair experience. We offer memory foam dental chairs with built-in massage. Furthermore, warm blankets are available on request. We also offer various movies and music channels for you to watch to create a relaxing atmosphere.

Nitrous oxide or otherwise known as “laughing gas” can be used to make you feel calm and relaxed. You inhale the nitrous oxide and it immediately goes into your body leaving a relaxing feeling. Once the gas is removed, the gas quickly exits your body thus allowing you to return to normal immediately.

Oral or IV Sedation is known as moderate conscious sedation. Medications are administered in the office by your dentist to make you drowsy and sleepy so you can relax throughout the appointment. This level of sedation is stronger and will require you to have someone drive you home.

Frequently Asked Questions

What sedation is used in dentistry?

Oral sedation is one of the available methods of conscious sedation dentistry, along with inhalation sedation (e.g., nitrous oxide) and conscious intravenous sedation. Benzodiazepines are commonly used, specifically triazolam. Triazolam is commonly selected for its rapid onset and limited duration of effect.

Does sedation in dentistry really work?

Conscious Oral Sedation at the dentist absolutely does “work.” If you are scared of the dentist and need to be put to sleep for dental work, then dental sedation is right for you.

How long does sedation last?

A good rule of thumb is to allow a full 24 hours after the procedure for the full effects of dental sedation to wear off.

What can I expect after sedation?

Patients may be slightly drowsy following sedation; however, the drowsiness should subside within several hours following the procedure. Because our patients enjoy a highly relaxed state during sedation, they should expect some of the amnesia effects to extend past the procedure.

 
For any questions regarding sedation dentistry, contact your PerioLife periodontists in Dallas, Irving, Fort Worth or Keller offices.