Sedation Dentistry in Stamford

Sedation dentistry can put you at ease and virtually eliminate the pain associated with dental procedures. Sedation dentistry is the use of anesthesia during treatment to put patients in a relaxed, almost sleep-like state. Sedation dentistry is often used during more complex procedures that require an extensive amount of time in the chair. It is also ideal for patients who exhibit a dental phobia. Depending on the treatment being performed and/or your level of anxiety, we will have a discussion to best determine what form of sedation will best suit your needs during your treatment.

There are different types and degrees of dental sedation from oral sedatives to nitrous oxide or, for deeper sedation we can administer the drugs intravenously.

Oral Sedatives

Oral sedative medications can be given to our patients the night before your procedure or, 30 minutes to an hour before the dental appointment, depending on the severity of your anxiety. The oral sedative is very effective for mild to moderate anxiety and will significantly reduce your fears and discomfort.

Nitrous Oxide

Is a form of conscious sedation. Nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas) is used to induce a state of relaxation. A local anesthetic will be administered in conjunction with the nitrous oxide to eliminate any pain or, discomfort. Nitrous Oxide is quick acting and has few side effects. You will also be able to return to all normal activities immediately.

Intravenous (IV) Sedation

When patients have high levels of anxiety, special needs or, require lengthy visits, a dental anesthesiologist, Dr. MacDonald is brought in to manage the patient’s sedation needs. During intravenous sedation, an anti-anxiety drug is administered into the bloodstream to achieve a state of “deep conscious sedation”. Although you will not actually be asleep, you will be in a heightened state of relaxation and won’t remember the procedure. The level of sedation can be adjusted during the procedure to ensure you remain comfortable at all times and in many cases, we can get all of the dental work done in one visit.