Relaxing Treatments, Remarkable Results
Dr. Stockdale and the rest of 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 believe that it’s an anxiety-inducing experience, which they’ll do anything to avoid.
Regardless, dentist visits are necessary for maintaining a healthy, attractive smile. For the patient’s convenience, Dr. Stockdale can provide two forms of sedation to help make your trip care-free and relaxing.
Types of Sedation
Dr. Stockdale is qualified to administer different types of sedation depending on the patient’s unique needs, the extent of their procedure, and their anxiety level. At Renaissance Dental Care, we are proud to offer two sedation options: nitrous oxide sedation and oral 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, and it allows them to enjoy a stressless procedure without losing full 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 hooked to a machine that creates a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen which the patient breathes, calming and preparing them for treatment.
Dr. Stockdale can easily monitor 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 Sedation
If a patient divulges that they have moderate to severe anxiety about a procedure, Dr. Stockdale will likely recommend oral sedation.
Oral sedation doesn’t require complex mixtures of gas or equipment over the face—merely take a pill. It’s 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 revitalize their smile. This form of sedation may make them feel drowsy, although they’ll still be 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.