Sedation Dentistry - Valley Dental Care

At Valley Dental Care, our compassionate dentists aim to make your dental experience as comfortable as possible by prioritizing your needs and personalizing your care. We understand that some patients suffer from dental anxiety surrounding cleanings and dental procedures, making it challenging for them to receive the care they need.

Our nitrous and IV sedation options can help you relax throughout your visit. Talk to our of our dentists before your appointment about the best option for you.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous Oxide or N2O is commonly known as laughing gas. Nitrous is a mild sedative that calms a patient’s nerves, allowing them to relax while remaining conscious during a dental procedure. This is an excellent option for many patients who experience dental anxiety during routine appointments, like a composite filling.

The effects of nitrous oxide can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the length of your procedure. Once the gas is turned off, the effects will wear off quickly, so you can return to a normal state shortly after your procedure is complete. While on N2O, you remain fully conscious and can breathe and use your reflexes naturally.

Nitrous Oxide is a safe and standard method of sedation that is suitable for use on adults and children when administered by a professional. It’s usually well tolerated by patients, and it takes effect rapidly, allowing the dentist to begin work shortly after you first receive the gas. It is reversible and adjustable, so your dentist can alter the amount you receive throughout the procedure as necessary.

IV Sedation

For some anxious individuals, IV sedation is the better choice during a more invasive dental procedure like a root canal or dental implant surgery. Intravenous sedation involves an anti-anxiety agent delivered to you via IV during your procedure, putting you into a groggy state. You’re still conscious and can communicate answers if the dentist asks questions, but your memory of the event is likely to be vague after the procedure.

How does IV sedation work?

If you and your dentist agree on IV sedation for your appointment, you’ll have a thin needle inserted into a vein in your arm. An intravenous tube feeds the needle distributing the anti-anxiety drug into your bloodstream.

Before you undergo IV sedation, your blood pressure will be checked. Your blood pressure levels and vitals are monitored throughout the procedure to ensure you remain in stable condition with no reaction to the sedative.

You’ll feel groggy for an extended period even after the IV catheter is removed. Following IV sedation, you should arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home. Ensure you rest for 24 hours after the procedure.

Talk to the dentist about IV sedation for your procedure

If you’re dealing with dental anxiety surrounding an upcoming procedure, call our dental office and discuss the possibility of IV sedation with your dentist. It may also be a good option if you have a significant fear of needles and your procedure requires a local anesthetic.

In some cases, the dentist may recommend IV sedation because of the complex nature of a procedure.

Find Out More

Both N2O and IV sedation are good options for those who experience dental anxiety or phobia. To find out more about these dentistry sedation methods, call one of our dental offices located in Aurora or Oswego, or speak to one of our dentists at your next appointment.