Sedation Dentistry

Dental anxiety got you down? At Oak Hollow Family Dentistry, we understand that going to the dentist can be a daunting experience. That’s why we go above and beyond to ensure our patients are comfortable and relaxed during their visit. We employ the latest dental technology and techniques to provide our patients with the best possible experience. For example, we offer sedation dentistry in Draper for patients who experience dental anxiety.

Our goal is to provide top-notch dental care in a comfortable and relaxed environment. We want our patients to leave our office feeling confident about their smiles. Schedule a visit with us today and see the difference Oak Hollow Family Dentistry can make!

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Many people experience anxiety when visiting the dentist. If you fear needles, the sound of the drill, or don’t like the idea of someone having to do work in your mouth, you’re not alone. The good news is that options are available to help make your dental visit more comfortable. One such option is sedation dentistry.

Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. There are different types of sedation available, from minimal sedation (also called “twilight sleep”) to general anesthesia (a complete loss of consciousness). The type of sedation you receive is based on your level of anxiety, the procedure being performed, and other factors.

Types of Sedation Dentistry

There are four main types of sedation used in dentistry: oral conscious sedation, IV sedation, “laughing gas” sedation, and general anesthesia.

Oral Conscious Sedation: Oral conscious sedation typically involves taking a pill before your appointment. The pill will make you drowsy, but you will still be awake and able to respond to questions or commands from Dr. Hoffman and his team. You may not remember much about the procedure after it’s over because you will be semi-conscious.

IV Sedation: IV sedation is similar to oral conscious sedation in that it also makes you tired, and you will not remember much about the procedure afterward. However, IV sedation delivers the medication directly into your bloodstream through an IV rather than taken orally as a pill. This method provides a more immediate effect and can be adjusted more quickly if necessary.

Laughing Gas: Laughing gas is mild sedation inhaled through a mask during the procedure. You will remain awake and able to communicate with our team, but you may feel lightheaded or giddy. The effects of laughing gas wear off quickly, so you can drive yourself home after the procedure is over.

General Anesthesia: We use general anesthesia for more invasive procedures or patients with extreme dental anxiety. With general anesthesia, you will be completely unconscious during the procedure and not feel any pain. Afterward, you will need someone to drive you home as the effects of the anesthesia can take several hours to wear off completely.

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe for Children?

Yes! Sedation dentistry is a safe and effective way to help children relax during dental procedures. There are various sedation options available, and the type of sedation used will be based on the child’s age, weight, and level of anxiety. For most children, a mild sedative is all that is needed to help them feel relaxed. The sedative is usually inhaled through the nose and works very quickly. The child will remain awake and able to communicate with our team, but they will likely feel little to no pain.

In some cases, we may use a more potent sedative. This type of sedation will make the child drowsy, and they may even fall asleep during the procedure. Regardless of the type of sedation used, we will closely monitor the child’s vital signs throughout the procedure to ensure their safety.