Sedation
Dental Sedation allows patients to receive their needed dental care while remaining comfortable. Most patients have some form of fear or anxiety associated with dental treatment. At Alpine Family Dental, we strive to maintain an environment where patients remain relaxed throughout their appointment. We offer the following sedation options in our office:
Inhalation Anesthesia Sedation:
The most commonly used inhalation agent is Nitrous Oxide, also known as “laughing gas.” Nitrous Oxide is a sedating gas combined with oxygen to make patients feel more comfortable during dental treatment. A small rubber mask is fitted over the patient’s nose allowing them to breathe freely. Most patients on Nitrous Oxide experience a feeling of well-being. Nitrous Oxide has rapid onset and its lack of lingering effects allows patients to drive home with no “hangover.”
Oral Conscious Sedation:
Oral sedation produces a deep level of relaxation for patients with mild to moderate dental anxiety. Following administration in our office, the patient becomes sleepy and develops a diminished awareness. Throughout the appointment, we monitor the patient’s blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation. Most of our patients will sleep through their appointment. There are many advantages to oral conscious sedation. It is safe, affordable, easily administered (no IV), generally has little side effects, the patient can breathe independently and interact with and respond to the dentist, and many patients experience amnesia. Unlike Nitrous Oxide, there is a recovery period so the patient will need a ride home from the appointment and a few hours to recover from the drug's effects (e.g. drowsiness).
Inhalation Anesthesia Sedation and Oral sedation Combined:
The combination of oral and inhalation sedation provides yet a deeper level of sedation without the needles used in IV sedation. The oral sedative is administered and once the patient is relaxed, the Nitrous Oxide gas is administered and dental treatment is performed.
Intravenous (IV) Sedation or General Anesthesia:
IV sedation and General Anesthesia are offered in our office. Some patients with remarkable dental anxiety or certain medical conditions require these deeper levels of sedation. A licensed dental anesthesiologist administers and monitors the patient’s anesthesia while Dr. Eller performs the dentistry.
Printable Sedation Consent forms:
Please fill and bring to your appointment. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at (406)752-1107.
