Types of Dental Sedation

At our office, we are continually improving procedures to reduce pain and recovery time. We understand that some people just fear visits to a dentist, and we are aware that some patients have phobias which significantly impact them. Because our dentists also know that regular check-ups and various treatments are essential to our patients’ oral health, we offer dental sedation in our office.

In our office, we offer four different levels of sedation as well as four methods of sedation. We work to deliver a comfortable middle ground where you are anxiety and pain-free, but not excessively medicated. Levels and methods of sedation vary based on the procedure and your physical health.

The four levels of sedation we use in our practice are:
• MINIMAL SEDATION- This is the lightest level of sedation; you are awake but calm and free of anxiety.

• MODERATE SEDATION – This was once called ‘conscious sedation’ because you are still slightly awake. Patients with moderate sedation often fall asleep during the procedure and remember very little of what happened.

• DEEP SEDATION – You are close to unconsciousness, yet we are able to wake you.

• GENERAL ANESTHESIA -- You are entirely unconscious.


The four methods of dental sedation:
• INHALED SEDATION- This is a minimal form of sedation where you breathe in a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide, commonly called ‘laughing gas.’
The dentist delivers the gas through a mask which is over your nose. The gas helps you relax and wears off quickly.

• ORAL SEDATION- The level of drowsiness achieved by oral sedatives varies from minimal to moderate depending on the dosage. Typically, the dentist administers the drug Halcion in pill form, and you will feel sleepy and calm. The dosage is increased to reach a moderate level of sedation. Oral sedation usually takes an hour to work, and afterward, you will be groggy.

• IV SEDATION- You can either receive moderate or deep sedation via intravenous therapy. You receive medicine directly into your vein, and it works quickly to relax you. In deep sedation, you are asleep, but we can easily wake you.

• GENERAL ANESTHESIA- If you receive general anesthesia, you will be entirely unconscious and will wake when the medication wears off, or we reverse the effects with a different medicine.

If you are fearful of a visit to our office or have questions about dental sedation, please contact our office, and we would be happy to help you.