Sedation Dentistry

For many, the fear or memory of a painful dental experience overshadows the importance of maintaining their dental health.  This dental anxiety can often result in cancelled appointments or avoidance of routine check-ups. Fearful patients can best be helped by seeking Sedation Dentistry at Southern Heights Dental Group.

Types of Sedation:

We use a wide range of techniques and/or medications, depending on the patient’s level of anxiety.  Options include:

• Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas)
• IV Sedation

Sedation Dentistry is most helpful for:

• The very anxious patient
• Patients who require major treatment or multiple procedures
• Patients who haven’t been to the dentist in many years
• Patients with a strong gag reflexes
• Patients that have had traumatic dental experiences (sound and smell aversion)
• Patients who are medically compromised or who are mentally handicapped

Safety & Patient Comfort

We’re sensitive to every need of people who are afraid of the dentist and work to ensure your optimum comfort.   Important practices include minimizing your wait time, going slowly and providing “rest” breaks.   With our caring staff and vast experience, you can be confident in receiving a safe, successful and comfortable treatment.

• Personalized Sedation Options -working with each patient’s individual situation to determine the most appropriate sedation.
• Patient Education - Providing complete information about what exact procedures will be conducted.

Most of our patients visit us twice – once for a consultation and the second time for dental treatment.

Nitrous Oxide – Inhaled Anesthesia

Nitrous Oxide, N2O, also called laughing gas, is a colorless gas with a pleasant, sweetish odor and taste. It works by infusing the membranes of the body producing an anesthetic effect. It is one of the safest anesthetics available. Most patients experience an initial feeling of lightheadedness, which gradually leads to an overall feeling of well-being.

The Process

The gas is administered with a comfortable mask placed over the nose and adjusted so the patient breathes through it. After the gas is adjusted to the appropriate dose, with the patient relaxed and sedated, the dentist can comfortably give the anesthetic injection (if needed) and then proceed with dental treatment.

After treatment is completed, the patient is given pure oxygen to breathe for about 5 minutes, and all the effects of sedation are usually reversed. The patient can almost always leave the office by themselves, without an escort.

Nitrous oxide has few side effects, a small percentage of patients experience nausea, and about 10% of patients do not benefit from it. Patients who are claustrophobic or have blocked nasal passages cannot use nitrous oxide effectively.

IV Sedation

The deepest level of sedation we provide is Intravenous Sedation.  IV Sedation is sometimes necessary for patients who are unable, by either age or maturity level to cooperate during dental treatment. Patients often think they are asleep and have no memory of the procedure, but can respond to the dentist when necessary.

The Process:

A physical exam and pre-operative consultation are mandatory for patients undergoing IV anesthesia for surgery. Prior to surgery, please have nothing to eat or drink for 8 hours.  Be sure to inform the office of any medical conditions that may be of concern prior to surgery (i.e. high blood pressure, diabetes, artificial heart valves and joints, rheumatic fever, etc.) and of any medication (i.e. heart medications, aspirin, anticoagulant therapy etc.) you are taking.

During the procedure, devises are attached to the patient to monitor heart rate, breathing and blood pressure.  IV Sedation is administered and monitored by the dentist, optimizing the safety of the procedure. When treatment is complete, most people awaken with little or no memory of the visit, but a visibly beautiful smile.