Our team understands that some patients have had traumatic experiences, especially in early childhood with regard to dentistry. Surgical treatment can be scary, and that is why our doctor strives to make every patient comfortable and to meet their individual needs. For our patients with anxiety, sedation dentistry may be the answer. There are several safe sedation options available in our Spokane, WA office, as well as varying levels of sedation, which can be used for a patient’s comfort, making the entire process as comfortable as possible.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide is an effective and safe sedative agent that is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a small mask that fits over your nose to help you relax.
Nitrous Oxide (N20) is one option the doctor may offer to help make you more comfortable during specific procedures. With nitrous oxide, you will be able to hear and respond to any requests or directions asked of you. You may feel light-headed or tingle in your fingers, arms, and legs. Some people say their arms and legs feel heavy. Ultimately, you should be comfortable and calm. The effects of nitrous oxide are quick acting, but will wear off after 100% oxygen is administered. Talk to us about whether nitrous oxide would be a good option for you at your next appointment.
Oral (Conscious) Sedation
Law regulates conscious oral sedation, and there are two sedative states which we can administer for your treatment: minor oral conscious sedation and major oral conscious sedation.
Minor Oral Conscious Sedation
The lightest form of sedation is minor sedation for patients with mild to moderate anxiety, shorter procedures, or less complex situations. Minor sedation is administered orally. You remain awake or lightly sleepy during the entire process and can breathe on your own. You will feel a profound sense of relaxation. Patients typically recover from minor sedation within 24 hours after the procedure is complete. Nitrous oxide inhalation is an option in conjunction with slight sedation that results in increased relaxation during treatment. It requires that patients receiving conscious sedation have a spouse, parent, or friend accompany them, as driving is not allowed.
Major Oral Conscious Sedation
Used for patients with moderate dental anxiety and for patients who need extended or more complex procedures, major sedation is an increased level of sedation administered orally. With major oral conscious sedation, you may sleep throughout your process, but will still be able to breathe without aid and respond to instructions as needed. It is required that patients receiving conscious sedation have a spouse, parent, or friend accompany them to appointments because it can take several hours for the sedative to wear off, therefore driving is not allowed until the next day after your surgery.
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