WHY DO PEOPLE FEAR THE DENTIST?
Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. Sometimes it is called “sleep dentistry”, but that name is not entirely accurate—patients remain generally awake unless under general anesthesia, which is administered by an anesthesiologist. However, some patients do relax enough to fall asleep on their own.
WHAT CAN SEDATION DENTISTRY OFFER?
- Patient relaxation
- Increased patient comfort
- Ease of care for special needs individuals
- Fewer appointments will be needed for extensive work
- Control of patient gag reflex
SEDATION OPTIONS WITH WILLIAM DARR, DDS:
- NITROUS OXIDE
- ORAL SEDATION
INHALATION SEDATION
Nitrous oxide, sometimes called “nitrous” or “laughing gas”, has been used in dentistry and surgery since about 1844. Nitrous oxide use does not make patients unconscious, but it can be helpful for relaxation in the dentist’s chair, reducing stress and providing some pain relief.
WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT NITROUS OXIDE?
Nitrous oxide is colorless, odorless gas that is a safe, effective sedative inhaled through a small mask fitting over the nose. Dr. Darr will tell you to breathe deeply, and you’ll begin to feel its effects. People have reported tingling extremities, lightheadedness, or limbs that feel heavy, but ultimately, they become calmer and more comfortable. After the procedure is finished and the mask is removed, Dr. Darr will have you breathe oxygen for a few minutes to clear your head and prevent headache.
Nitrous Oxide Can Also Make You Feel:
- EUPHORIC
- “LIKE A HAPPY DRUNK”
- RELAXED
- SLEEPY (UNTIL YOU BREATHE OXYGEN AFTERWARD)
TAKE A DEEP BREATH
& CONTACT US
CALL SEDATION DENTIST DR. WILLIAM DARR OR SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE TODAY!
ORAL SEDATION
Oral sedation is usually prescribed for anxiety relief for a few hours prior to a dental appointment. The drugs used for oral sedation are usually benzodiazepines or “benzos” such as Valium, Halcion, Xanax, or Ativan. Benzos work with receptors in the brain to decrease activity in the regions of the brain responsible for feelings of fear.
WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT BENZOS?
There are different types of benzodiazepines. One type is sedative-hypnotics, which bring a calming effect that can include drowsiness. In higher dosages, this type of benzodiazepine can result in a physiological sleep state resembling hypnosis. The second type are anti-anxiety medications whose purpose is to reduce anxiety. All benzos are sedatives that reduce anxiety, but different benzos target different brain areas. Some work on the region of the brain that controls emotions such as fear, while others get started on sleep and wakefulness levels.
Two More Things to Know About Oral Sedation
- REVIEW ALL MEDICATIONS YOU TAKE WITH DR. DARR BEFORE CHOOSING ORAL SEDATION
- WE REQUIRE A DRIVER FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT—NEVER TAKE BENZOS AND DRIVE!
