Sedation dentistry involves using calming medications to create a relaxed state during dental procedures. It is effective for patients who experience fear, anxiety, or dental phobia, and those undergoing lengthy or extensive treatments. With sedation dentistry, you can feel comfortable and stress-free in the dentist's chair while receiving the care you need. 

At Christina Greene Family Dentistry, we offer different forms of dental sedation, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation, and IV sedation. Dr. Greene will recommend the ideal sedation option based on your unique needs.

Nitrous Oxide: Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is a mild, inhaled form of sedation we administer alongside local anesthesia that's used for numbing the treatment area. You'll breathe a nitrous oxide and oxygen mixture using a mask placed over your nose, and within minutes, you should begin to feel more calm, relaxed, and almost euphoric. You may feel a warm and tingly sensation throughout your body as you start to feel more and more at ease. With nitrous oxide, you'll remain awake and be able to interact with Dr. Greene during your procedure. 

Nitrous oxide offers many benefits. Its calming effects appear relatively quickly without the need for needles. It is ideal for patients who need help to relax in the dentist's chair. Laughing gas wears off almost immediately after removing the mask, so you'll feel alert and back to your usual self in no time. It's the only sedation option that allows you to drive home after getting the dental care you need.

Oral Sedation: If you need a little extra help to feel calm and relaxed during dental treatment, Dr. Greene may recommend oral sedation. This involves taking oral medication about 30 minutes prior to starting your procedure, along with nitrous oxide gas. Oral sedation can range from mild to moderate, depending on the dose of medication administered. You may feel drowsy, but should remain awake and responsive throughout treatment. 

Oral sedation has amnesic properties, meaning you may have little or no recollection of your procedure. The effects of this needle-free form of sedation typically linger after treatment, so you will need a trusted adult to accompany you and drive you home for your safety. 

IV Sedation: IV sedation may be ideal for patients with increased anxiety. It involves administering anti-anxiety medications through an IV straight into your bloodstream to provide a much more relaxed and stress-free experience. You may fall asleep during treatment, but will remain conscious and responsive to treatment, unlike general anesthesia. 

IV sedation is helpful for patients requiring longer or more complex dental treatments. The effects of IV sedation may take some time to wear off, which is why we request that a trusted adult accompany you and drive you home. Most patients do not have any recollection of their appointment the next day, reducing the fear of future dental treatments.