We can face the facts—most people aren’t jumping and skipping with glee to get that cavity filled or have that root canal procedure. We love our job, but we know that for some people, going to the dentist can be as nerve-racking as public speaking! Thankfully, there is a solution out there for those patients who avoid setting foot in a dental office because of dental anxiety or fear: sedation dentistry.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is when medication is used to calm and relax patients. These are the different levels:

• Minimal Sedation — You remain awake, but you will feel extremely relaxed.
• Moderate Sedation — You will still be conscious, but you might slur your words at bit when speaking. Your memory of the procedure will most likely be foggy at best.
• Deep Sedation — You will be difficult to arouse because you are very close to being unconscious. However, you will be able to be woken up if prompted repeatedly.
• General Anesthesia — You are unconscious during the medical procedure. When you wake up, you will feel groggy and confused for a few hours. The effects wear off for most people after 24 hours, but may take up to 1 week to fully disappear.

Our Sedation Options

Here at Wildflower Dental & Orthodontics, we offer 2 sedation options so that patients can feel at ease while undergoing treatment and don’t have to put their dental care on hold.

1. Nitrous Oxide/Laughing Gas

• Nitrous oxide is a type of minimal sedation.
• A mask emitting nitrous oxide (aka laughing gas) is put over your nose and you will continue to breathe like normal.
• This is one of the most commonly used types of sedation in dentistry.
• The effects of laughing gas tend to wear off quickly, so patients can usually drive themselves home after the appointment.

2. Oral Conscious Sedation

• Oral conscious sedation is a type of minimal to moderate sedation.
• You’ll be given a prescriptive sedative pill to take at a designated time before your appointment.
• With this option, you’ll need to get someone to take you home after your appointment because the effects take longer to wear off.

Before undergoing any sedation treatment, it’s vital that you speak with a health professional regarding your dental and medical history to ensure sedation is safe and right for you. Our team is happy to help and answer any questions you may have. We are here to make your dental experience safe, comfortable, and stress-free!