At i-Implant Dentistry, we prioritize your safety and comfort. Our dental team is trained and certified to offer sedation dentistry to patients to reduce dental anxiety and discomfort. About 60 percent of people suffer from dental phobia or anxiety. Still, we don’t want fear to get in the way of our patients receiving the exceptional dentistry they need for healthy, happy lives. Sedation dentistry can provide patients with enhanced comfort while we provide treatment at our Sartell, MN dental office.
At i-Implant Dentistry, we offer various forms of sedation: nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation. Here is what you can expect from each sedation method.
Nitrous Oxide (“Laughing Gas”)
Patients breathe in laughing gas through a mask during the appointment. The patient is still conscious, but they may feel warm and fuzzy inside or even a bit giggly––hence the nickname “laughing gas.” Once the patient stops breathing in the nitrous oxide, the effects wear off in a couple of minutes. Laughing gas is usually ideal for patients with dental fear or anxiety or for specific treatments to increase patient comfort.
Oral Sedation
Oral conscious sedation is a pill the dentist prescribes to the patient before treatment. It helps keep patients relaxed and calm during procedures and numbs potential pain and discomfort. Oral sedation makes most patients tired, and you may even fall asleep during your treatment. After the appointment, you will need a designated driver to take you home, and we recommend resting for the remainder of the day until the effects wear off.
Intravenous (IV) Sedation
IV sedation may not be ideal for every patient, but it is safe and effective for many. IV sedation immediately enters the bloodstream intravenously, so the effects are almost instant. A trained professional administers the IV sedation, controlling the levels to ensure your safety and comfort. During the treatment, we monitor your vital signs––heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels––to ensure everything remains stable and normal. Most patients have no memory of the procedure when under IV sedation. A designated driver must drive you home after your treatment, as it can take several hours for the effects to dissipate.
Sedation Dentistry in Sartell, MN
Do you have dental anxiety or a lengthy procedure coming up? If so, your dentist may recommend sedation dentistry to provide a more comfortable and streamlined experience at our dental office. Sedation dentistry can help reduce anxiety, pain, discomfort, tooth sensitivity, overactive gag reflexes, and more. Please get in touch with our dental office for more information or if you would like to schedule a dental appointment with Dr. Saad Bassass or Dr. Jason Chong.
