Sedation Dentistry in East Amherst | The Ivory Dental Co.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry refers to the use of sedative medications to help patients feel more comfortable during dental appointments. Many patients have dental fear or anxiety. And, even if you’re not especially nervous about dentistry, you may be intimidated by a surgical procedure like a tooth extraction or a dental implant.
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With sedation dentistry, you can overcome these fears, relax in the dentist’s chair, and get the treatment you need from Dr. Sweeney at The Ivory Dental Co.

Am I a Good Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?

As long as you’re healthy, not dependent on any drugs, and are not taking any prescription medications that may interfere with your sedation, you are likely a good candidate for sedation dentistry. Dr. Sweeney will perform a health screening to make sure that sedation dentistry is right for you.

What is Used for Dental Sedation?

nitrous oxide

Also called “laughing gas,” nitrous sedation is the least expensive and simplest method of sedation. You will simply breathe in a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen. This will help you relax and feel more comfortable during your appointment.

oral conscious sedation

In oral sedation, you’ll take a sedative pill, such as Halcion. This drug makes you feel sleepy and relaxed, and provides a deeper level of sedation compared to nitrous oxide.

IV Sedation

IV sedation uses similar drugs as oral sedation. However, they are administered by an IV into your veins. This means they take effect a lot faster, and tend to produce deeper sedative effects.

What is Sedation Like at the Dentist?

This depends on the type of sedation you’ve chosen at our office. Here is a brief overview of what each type of sedation is like, and what you can expect.

Nitrous oxide sedation

No pills or needles are needed with laughing gas. Once you start breathing in the nitrous oxide, you will feel more comfortable and relaxed. You may even find your situation to be funny, hence the name “laughing gas.”
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You will be fully conscious and aware of your surroundings during your treatment, but will feel much less anxious. Laughing gas wears off within about 5 minutes after your procedure, and it’s safe to drive yourself home after treatment, unlike with other methods of sedation.

oral conscious & IV sedation

Oral conscious sedation and IV sedation have similar effects, though IV sedation will usually produce a deeper state of sedation. Once the drugs begin to work, you will feel really sleepy and groggy. Patients often fall asleep during treatment.
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You also likely won’t remember much of your treatment. This is called “anterograde amnesia,” and is a common side effect of oral and IV sedation. However, the after-effects last much longer and are more intense. You also can’t safely drive a vehicle after your treatment. You will need to have someone bring you to our office, and take you home and care for you after your appointment.

Is Sedation Dentistry More Expensive?

Choosing to be sedated at our office may incur additional costs depending on your insurance coverage and other details about your treatment. Dr. Sweeney can discuss this with you during your appointment, and will give you an estimate of how much it will cost to be sedated at The Ivory Dental Co.

sedation dentistry in East Amherst, NY