Dentistry doesn’t have to be scary anymore. If you get nervous before dental appointments, you’re not alone. Studies suggest that 75% of US adults experience some degree of dental fear or anxiety. Dental phobia ranks among the top 3 phobias in adults. Some patients worry they won’t get numb before a procedure, or they fear the idea of a local anesthetic injection. Others have had bad dental experiences as children. Some people feel embarrassed about their strong gag reflex, while others struggle to keep their mouths open and sit still in the dental chair. Whatever the reason, we want to help break the cycle of avoidance. Patients often choose sedation for longer restorative procedures and oral surgeries. Advances in sedation dentistry have completely transformed how dental care is provided. Sedation dentistry allows you to relax, sit comfortably, and makes your dental visit more enjoyable. With modern treatment techniques like sedation dentistry, there’s no need to fear or avoid your dental care.
Here at Iroquois Dentistry, we offer 3 levels of sedation:
- Nitrous Oxide Sedation (Laughing Gas)
- Oral Conscious Sedation (OCS)
- IV Sedation (Conscious or Twilight Sedation)
Nitrous Oxide Sedation:
Also commonly referred to as laughing gas, this method is ideal for those requiring quick recovery following a procedure. Nitrous oxide can be administered and quickly flushed out by oxygen within minutes. Following a nitrous oxide treatment, the patient will leave Iroquois Dentistry as alert and bright-eyed as upon arrival. This level of sedation is perfect for small procedures requiring a light level of sedation.
Oral Conscious Sedation (OCS):
We administer Oral Conscious Sedation in pill form, which induces a light level of sedation. It doesn’t cause sleep. Patients can respond meaningfully during the procedure but typically have limited or no memory of the appointment. Before administering this sedation, we review your medical history and tailor a unique sedation plan for you.
We usually prescribe a medication for you to take the night before your appointment to ensure a restful night. Upon arrival, you’ll settle into a comfortable chair with a pillow and warm blanket. We place monitoring equipment and administer additional oral medications to achieve the desired level of sedation. A team member will monitor your well-being at all times.
Since oral conscious sedation causes drowsiness, you’ll need someone to drive you to and from your appointment.
IV Sedation (Conscious or Twilight Sedation)
IV moderate sedation is the most comprehensive and safest sedation procedure. It induces a drug-induced state of reduced awareness. We can access your circulatory system directly, allowing us to deepen your sedation with modern medications like Versed, Fentanyl, and Toradol. The Iroquois Dentistry team continuously monitors your blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels. IV sedation does not cause sleep, but patients can still respond meaningfully during the procedure, often with no recollection afterward.
When you arrive for your appointment, you’ll settle into a comfortable chair with a pillow and warm blanket. We’ll place monitoring equipment, and the doctor will establish an IV line (usually in your arm). Then, we’ll titrate sedative medications directly into your bloodstream to reach the desired sedation level.
Since IV moderate sedation causes drowsiness, you’ll need someone to drive you home after your appointment.