Sedation dentistry is used to provide a relaxed and anxiety-free experience. At Sleep Dentistry of Portland we offer many types of sedation for individuals too afraid to go to the dentist or for those with physical limitations preventing them from receiving the dental care they need. Sedation also allows extensive treatment to be completed in a single appointment, with virtually no memory of the visit, so the patient can be totally relaxed and comfortable while having all their dental needs met.
Your Sedation Options
At your initial exam, one of our amazing dentists at Sleep Dentistry of Portland in Portland, OR will review your x-rays and get to know your personal story. We believe knowing what fears led you to sleep dentistry will help us work together on the best sedation that meets your needs.
Sleep Dentistry of Portland offers a full range of sedation dentistry options, including nitrous oxide, minimal sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia. We feel the greatest benefit associated with sedation dentistry is that it allows even those with severe dental phobias to undergo the treatment they need without anxiety or discomfort. Sleep dentistry gives patients the opportunity to drift pleasantly through their appointment, after which they will remember little to nothing of the work that was done.
Nitrous Oxide
Considered one of the safest methods of dental sedation, nitrous oxide gas offers a number of benefits for patients of all ages who experience dental anxiety. This technique uses a blend of nitrogen and oxygen that works quickly, reaching the brain within about 20 seconds after treatment begins.
When you inhale the gas, which is administered through a mask that’s worn over the nose, you should feel a sensation of calm, and you may even feel a bit giggly. Nitrous oxide is designed to enhance relaxation during treatment while you remain conscious and in control throughout the procedure.
After the mask is removed, within three to five minutes after treatment is stopped, the effects disappear. This means that patients can drive home without worrying about being under the influence of lingering medications.
Minimal Sedation
Minimal sedation often involves taking medicine the night before an appointment to help calm your nerves. We understand it may be hard to sleep before your appointment and want you to feel relaxed. At the start of the appointment, the following day, additional medication is given to begin your minimal sedation. The medication used will be specific to the individual receiving treatment and will also be based on the length and nature of the treatment.
When the medicine takes effect, the patient will ease into an anxiety-free state. Patients remain responsive and able to answer questions, yet feel calm and relaxed throughout their time in the treatment chair. In addition to a relaxed feeling, the sedative may produce other effects. Patients may feel the time has passed very quickly or otherwise retain little to no memory of their time in the dental office. Patients who undergo this type of sedation will be closely monitored by our hospital-grade equipment and experienced sedation team during the entire appointment.
IV Sedation
For patients who need a deeper level of sedation, we are pleased to offer intravenous sedation. IV sedation is used by our doctors who’ve had specialized sedation training and certifications. IV sedation is known as “twilight” dentistry, which allows you to feel comfortable and relaxed, and “doze off”, but you will not require additional respiratory support. Patients experience this deep state of relaxation using a mix of medications administered through an IV.
Your vital signs are monitored by hospital-grade equipment by our elite sedation team during the entire appointment, and we do not leave you alone while under the effect of the drug. You’ll likely have little to no memory of the procedure when the medication wears off.
General Anesthesia
Our state-of-the-art practice has the equipment and the skilled specialists necessary to provide the option of general anesthesia.
Patients who experience severe dental phobia, gag reflex, and special needs may benefit from the use of general anesthesia. At Sleep Dentistry of Portland, you’ll find a safe and relaxing, judgment-free environment for patients to get the dental care they need. We understand the difficulty of finding care for everyone in the entire family, and it is just one of the reasons we offer this form of sedation.
Known as sleep dentistry, this approach places the person in a controlled unconscious state for the duration of treatment. You will be closely monitored by your doctor and anesthesiologist throughout the procedure. Once your treatment is complete, you should have no memory of the experience and will only be left with a healthy smile!
Sedation Aftercare
With each sedation experience, outside of nitrous oxide, you will need a responsible adult family member or friend to bring you to and from your dental appointments, and care for you until the sedation wears off, typically 24 hours. Additional care instructions will be given to them, along with any necessary prescriptions.
Contact Sleep Dentistry of Portland to find out how sedation dentistry can make your next dental visit more relaxing and stress-free.