How Sedation Dentistry Works

There are three ways Drs. Dennis and Marie Stiles and Dr. Elizabeth Wilcox are able to administer sedation: inhalation, oral, and IV. All three options are useful in controlling dental anxiety and can be customized to fit your specific needs, sometimes using a combination of methods.

Inhalation Sedation

Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is the most frequently used method for easing mild to moderate anxiety. This combination of nitrous oxide and oxygen has no color, no smell, and does not irritate your nose or mouth. After a few minutes of breathing in the gas, you will feel a calming  feeling spread throughout your entire body. While completely relaxed, you will still be fully conscious and aware of your surroundings. Recovery is quick so you can resume your normal activities immediately.

Oral Sedation

An extremely common technique for dental sedation is oral sedation. It’s easy and doesn’t require the use of needles. You will be given a prescription pill, taken about an hour before your appointment, so that by the time you arrive at our office, you’re fully relaxed and ready to begin your dental treatment. Usually in the form of anti-anxiety pills, oral sedation will help to eliminate any anxiety you may be feeling about your visit.  Due to the sedative nature of the pill, you will need someone to accompany you to your appointment because you will not be able to drive.

IV Sedation

For some cases of IV sedation, patients are given a small pill to take about an hour before treatment as described above. When you arrive at our practice, our staff will be waiting for you and will escort you to a private treatment room where you'll be treated by Drs. Dennis and Marie Stiles or Dr. Elizabeth Wilcox. Our two-doctor approach ensures that we are in total control of your care, with one doctor placing the IV, administering the medication, and monitoring sedation level while the other performs your dental procedure.

Once your treatment is complete, you will have little or no memory of the appointment and a beautiful new smile. With IV sedation dentistry, we are able to complete many different procedures, including complex smile makeovers, in just one office visit and with the most comfort for our patients.

If you feel that you could benefit from sedation dentistry at your next appointment, please contact us and let us know how we can better accommodate your needs.

Back to Top
Contact Us!
call email
]