Sedation Dentistry

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Over one half the population reports anxiety about having dental care. In our office, you will soon learn that we treat you with compassion, respect, and care. You have come to the right place.

We have ceiling mounted TV’s with cable or DVDs, stereo headphones, and state of the art equipment to speed care and make it as comfortable as possible. Don’t let anxiety prevent you from having the confident smile and healthy mouth you have always wanted. Take the time to come in and meet us so we can decide together what is best for you. If you would like a first appointment to simply talk about your anxieties and fears, just give us a call and we will do that with no exam or other dental care. Below are some ways to help relieve anxieties over dental care. Both are available at Sherwood Dental Care.

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

Nitrous oxide is one of the safest forms of sedation available and can help take the anxiety out of dental care. It can be used even for routine dental care like cleanings. It involves placing a nosepiece over your nose where you breathe the nitrous oxide in and out. In almost all children and most adults this produces a feeling of relaxation, numbness, security, and warmth almost immediately. Once the dental care is completed you breathe oxygen through the nosepiece and the sensations go away within minutes.

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation involves taking sedative medication by mouth. Usually lorazepam (Ativan) or triazolam (Halcion). Oral sedation when properly used can deliver a deep state of relaxation (deeper than nitrous). You will be awake but feel relaxed and drowsy. It can be used to relieve anxiety or to complete extensive treatment in one visit. Since you will be deeply sedated you will need someone to drive you to your appointment and drive you home. The same medication can also be given to help you sleep the night before. Oral sedation is a safe, effective and economical way to help take the anxiety out of dental care.