Relaxing Treatments, Remarkable Results
Dr. Stockdale and the team at Renaissance Dental Care understand that visiting the dentist might not be your favorite way to spend a few hours of your busy life. Additionally, some of our patients find dental care to be an anxiety-inducing experience, one they’d rather avoid.
Visits to the dentists are a necessity for maintaining a healthy, attractive smile. Unfortunately, dental anxiety keeps too many would-be patients from pursuing the essential care they need. To make your next appointment relaxing and stress-free, Dr. Stockdale can provide safe and effective sedation solutions to ensure your comfort.
Types of Sedation
Different types of dental sedation help patients with unique requirements have a comfortable and successful dental care experience. Dr. Stockdale is qualified to administer two different types of sedation depending on the patient’s individual needs, the extent of their procedure, and their levels of anxiety.
At Renaissance Dental Care, we are proud to offer both nitrous oxide sedation and oral conscious sedation.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is the most common form of sedation. It works exceptionally well for patients with mild to moderate anxiety, allowing them to enjoy a stress-free procedure without losing consciousness.
To administer nitrous oxide, Dr. Stockdale or a member of our team will place a mask over the patient’s nose. This mask is connected to a machine that creates a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen which the patient breathes, calming their nerves and preparing them for treatment.
Dr. Stockdale diligently monitors the amount of gas the patient is receiving. Typically, the effects of the gas last about an hour, so they may need a friend, family member, or acquaintance to drive them home after the procedure.
Oral Conscious Sedation
If a patient expresses that they have moderate to severe anxiety about a procedure, Dr. Stockdale will likely recommend oral conscious sedation.
Oral conscious sedation doesn’t require a complex mixture of gas or equipment over the face—it’s administered in pill form. The process is as simple as taking a morning vitamin, and if done an hour before treatment, the patient will feel calm and ready to let Dr. Stockdale treat their oral health needs. This form of sedation may make patients feel drowsy, although they’ll still remain conscious.
As with other forms of sedation, Dr. Stockdale will expect someone to escort the patient home afterward. This person could be a friend, family member, co-worker, or Uber driver—as long as the patient isn’t driving.
Who Can Benefit?
If you’re interested in dental sedation, ask Dr. Stockdale at your next appointment. He’ll review your medical and dental history, as well as any other pertinent information, and discuss your options with you.
Patients commonly choose sedation for the following reasons:
- Sensitive teeth
- A fear or anxiety that prevents them from routine dentist visits
- A low pain threshold
- A patient requires a large amount of dental work
- An inability to sit still in the dentist’s chair
- A gag reflex that makes receiving dental care challenging
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I talk during conscious sedation?
During conscious sedation, you’ll be able to respond to questions and may or may not remember the procedure. You’ll be completely relaxed and free of worries. Most patients report a euphoric and calm sensation.
Other common side effects of dental sedation include:
- Delayed reflexes
- Low blood pressure
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Headache
Dr. Stockdale will be in close communication with you throughout your treatment to ensure you’re comfortable and free of pain, so he can adjust the dosage as needed.
Is sedation safer than general anesthesia?
Conscious sedation is safer than general anesthesia because there are more risks associated with losing consciousness. That’s why general anesthesia is reserved for invasive surgeries that typically take place in hospitals.
Conscious sedation has its own risks such as:
- Changes in heart rate and blood pressure
- Respiratory depression
- Allergic reaction
While complications with dental sedation are rare, having a trusted dentist such as Dr. Stockdale to administer the medication will ensure you receive the proper dosage and that the treatment will produce the best possible results.