
Is going to the dentist always stressful for you no matter what kind of treatment you need? Has this anxiety caused you to cancel appointments or miss out on much-needed care for years? We completely understand, and we’re ready to help you finally relax with our sedation options. From routine cleanings to advanced restorative care, we can use sedation dentistry in our Mineola, NY dental office to make any appointment fly by, so that at the end, your only thought is, “That’s it?”
Some patients don’t need as much help dealing with their dental anxieties and only require a mild type of sedation to stay calm during their dental appointments. In these cases, we’ll likely suggest a type of dental sedation that you may have heard of: nitrous oxide. The effects of the nitrous oxide kick in quickly, and you won’t have to wait too long for them to wear off after your procedure. This means you can enjoy the benefits of sedation without worrying about how it will affect your schedule for the rest of the day.
Nitrous oxide can be a good choice if:
On the other hand, you might not be an ideal candidate for nitrous oxide if:
To know for sure if nitrous oxide is a good fit for you, we will need to take a look at your medical history and consider your current needs. Please let us know if you have any concerns about nitrous oxide; we won’t move forward with the treatment until you feel like you’re properly informed about what to expect.
Typically, the only preparation you’ll need to make for nitrous oxide sedation is to avoid eating anything too heavy before your appointment. Otherwise, all you need to do is come to our office and make yourself comfortable in our treatment chair. Our team will fit a small mask over your nose before turning on the machine that releases the nitrous oxide mixed with oxygen.
Nitrous oxide can make you feel very relaxed and happy. It does not, however, put you to sleep. As such, we can still ask questions or give you instructions if we need to. Our team may increase or decrease the level of sedation depending on your needs during your treatment.
Naturally, any aftercare instructions you receive after your dental appointment will depend on what kind of treatment was performed. With that said, there generally isn’t anything you need to do to recover after nitrous oxide sedation. The effects will wear off within minutes, so it will typically be safe for you to drive on your own afterward. You’ll also be able to return to work, run any necessary errands, and generally carry on with the rest of your day as normal.
Compared to other patients, you may have severe dental anxiety. Perhaps your fears are intense and greatly disrupt oral treatments. If so, our office can provide a helpful solution: IV sedation. It uses our most powerful sedative to help you relax deeply and calm your frayed nerves. Plus, the option has other perks that make it a convenient service. To learn more, just keep reading or contact our office for details.
Put simply, IV sedation is the most potent sedation dentistry available. It intravenously administers a sedative into your bloodstream. As a result, its effects tend to “kick in” rather quickly.
Compared to nitrous oxide, IV sedation promotes a far deeper relaxation. (This effect stems from its use of either Midazolam or Diazepam.) Still, it normally won’t put you to sleep; you should stay conscious throughout the procedure. That said, you likely won’t remember the treatment and may feel as if you were unconscious. (Some patients thus call this service “twilight sedation.”)
Of course, you can rest assured that IV sedation is safe. Our dental team members will monitor your vitals while you’re sedated. (That way, we can ensure you remain stable.) Also, the sedative won’t leave any harmful side effects. You’ll just feel slightly dizzy for a day, so have a friend or family member pick you up from the appointment.
Due to its potency, IV sedation is best reserved for patients with severe phobias or a need for extended care. However, there are other factors you could consider.
For example, one such element is patient sensitivity. You could greatly benefit from IV work if you have an overactive gag reflex. While sedated, your throat muscles would relax enough for the dentist to proceed with care.
Alternatively, those not easily numbed may find IV sedation helpful. The latter can prove effective for a patient who needs pain relief but isn’t affected by typical anesthetics.
Still, you should get a dental consultation to confirm your candidacy. Doing so lets our dentists review your medical history. Once they have, they’ll ensure you aren’t allergic to the medication and that IV sedation is safe for you.
Compared to nitrous oxide, IV sedation has many unique perks. These include the following: