Sedation dentistry might be right for you if you have:
- Anxiety or phobia about dental treatment
- Extensive dental needs, with a limited amount of time
- A very sensitive gag reflex
- Difficulty getting numb
- A fear of needles
- Sensitive teeth
- Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or Dementia
There are several sedation options for sedation. We would be more than happy to speak with you either on the phone or in person to determine the very best choice for your own unique needs.
Nitrous Oxide (A.K.A. laughing gas):
Inhalation sedation, also known as nitrous oxide or laughing gas, is historically the most widely used dental sedation technique by dentists. With Nitrous Oxide, you’ll breathe a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen through a comfortable nose mask. The gas has a euphoric effect which relaxes you.
Benefits:
- Least expensive
- Very few side effects
- Quick recovery: you can resume normal activities right away
- Highly effective for mild to moderate dental anxiety
- Ideal for short, routine dental procedures
- You do not need someone to accompany you during the procedure as with other sedation methods
IV Sedation:
Intravenous sedation or IV sedation helps to manage moderate to severe levels of dental anxiety. With IV sedation, a combination of sedative drugs and analgesics are administered intravenously into your bloodstream. We work with board certified dental anesthesiologist Dr. Jason L. Joseph to provide IV sedation services. Dr. Victoria Laor, our oral surgeon, is also able to offer IV Sedation to the people who she is treating. Your providers will monitor your breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate throughout your appointment to keep you safe and healthy!
Benefits:
- Takes effect almost instantaneously
- Level and length of sedation can be easily controlled
- Recovery takes 24 hours with limited side effects
- Provides deep relaxation, pain relief, and partial amnesia
- Recommended for long and invasive dental procedure
General Anesthesia
General Anesthesia: Some patient groups with severe dental phobias or certain pathological conditions may need deep sedation in order to undergo dental procedures. General anesthesia, when the patient is completely unconscious, is also known as deep sedation. The patient is unresponsive, immobilized, and breathing assistance is required. This procedure can be riskier, and involves the administering of anesthesia by an anesthesiologist in a surgical environment, which also makes it more costly.
Benefits:
- Allows patients who would otherwise not be able to tolerate any dental procedure the ability to get the care they need
What are the costs involved?
The fees for sedation will likely range from $199 for nitrous oxide to $3,200 for a full day of IV sedation. It depends on the type of sedation, length of the procedure, and the number of visits.
What are the actual drugs used in Sedation Dentistry?
We utilize a number of different medications in our sedation treatment based upon the length of your appointment and your current medical status. Some of the more common types of oral sedation medications are Valium, Versed, Ativan, and Benzodiazepines.
Does my insurance cover sedation?
Most insurance companies will not cover sedation, as they consider it an elective service. However, we offer many flexible payment options to help.
Can I receive sedation the same day as my initial appointment?
To ensure your health and safety, in most cases your dentist needs to perform an evaluation to determine what type of sedation is right for you and to double check that you’re healthy enough to undergo the procedure. We can generally offer Nitrous Oxide gas at your 1st visit. If you do choose another sedation option, chances are we’ll need to set up a follow-up visit for your treatment. When you come in for your sedation appointment, you’ll need to be accompanied by a friend or family member who can escort you safely from our office. Because of these precautions, we will generally need to meet you for an initial examination and consultation before offering some kinds of sedation for your treatment.
