Sedation Dentistry

 

 

Millions of people in America have fears and anxieties about visiting the dentist. Sedation dentistry, also known as “sleep” dentistry, is a way for you to overcome your fears of the dentist and feel more relaxed and comfortable when you have treatment. At Spring Premier Dental, we offer a number of sedation dentistry options that can alleviate your anxieties and provide you with the care you need to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

 

Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas)

Dental nitrous oxide or laughing gas is a safe and effective sedative agent that is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a small mask that fits over your nose. It relieves pain and anxiety during dental procedures.

 

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation involves small pills taken before your treatment that allows you to comfortably complete all levels of the dental procedure while conscious, but in a more tranquil, relaxed state of mind. You will be able to communicate with our dental team throughout your treatment; however, you will be so relaxed that you will likely not even know the procedure has taken place until it’s finished.

 

IV Sedation

Intravenous sedation or "IV sedation” (Twilight sedation) is a method that medications are administered through an intravenous line (I.V.). Once the drug is administrated, the onset of action is very rapid, and drug dosage and level of sedation can be tailored to meet the individual’s needs. This is a huge advantage compared to oral sedation, where the effects can be very unreliable. IV sedation, on the other hand, is both highly effective and highly reliable. The maximum level of sedation which can be reached with IV is deeper than with oral or inhalation sedation. Unlike General Anesthesia or Deep Sedation, conscious IV sedation doesn’t really introduce any compromises per se in terms of carrying out the actual procedures, because people are conscious and they can cooperate with instructions, and there is no airway tube involved.

 

IV sedation is extremely safe when carried out under the supervision of a specially-trained doctor.  Actually, I sedation is safer than oral sedation since medications are precisely titered according to the level of sedation and reversal agents can be administrated in a timely manner through the already established IV line in case of over-sedation.

 

Only 1% of the dentists in the country are qualified to conduct IV conscious sedation dentistry. With years of residency and hospital training, Dr. Liu is  qualified to provide this level of sedation. 

 

Requirements for Oral/IV Sedation:

• A history and physical exam at your pre-operative appointment

• Nothing to eat or drink 6-8 hours prior to the procedure, except for some clear liquid

• A responsible escort to drive you home and stay with you for 24 hours

 

You deserve the healthy smile you’ve always wanted and the most comfortable, stress-free experience possible in dentistry. Please don’t put off taking care of your oral health issues any longer because of fear and anxiety!