The fear or pain - this is perhaps the most prevalent distress that patients have when they think about visiting their dentists. In fact, some people avoid going to their dentists due to anxiety. However, this can be harmful to the oral health as infections can lead to more severe pain and tooth loss. That said, it is quite normal if you are one of those who feel reluctant about visiting The Schiff Dental Group for oral issues. 

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Fortunately, sedation dentistry helps to keep you calm and comfortable during dental procedures. Our dentists, Doctors Jill Moniz, Lawrence Schiff, Reza Hakim Shoushtari, Jill Zurek, and Richard Titlebaum, are certified professionals that can provide sedation during procedures.

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Sedation dentistry consists of several types, and the type that will be recommended to a patient will be according to their anxiety level and other factors. The common types of sedation dentistry include:

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Nitrous oxide

For this sedation, you will inhale nitrous oxide (or laughing gas) through a nosepiece. Within a few minutes, you will feel relaxed during the procedure.

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After the procedure is done, pure oxygen is incorporated to get the nitrous oxide out of your body. With this type of sedation, you can recover quickly and even drive yourself home safely after the treatment.

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Oral conscious sedation

Oral conscious sedation involves taking a pill about an hour before your procedure. During the procedure, you may feel drowsy or fall asleep.

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Since this type of sedation can affect your memory and motor skills, you will need a family member or a friend to drive you home after your treatment.

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Intravenous (IV) sedation

Intravenous sedation involves incorporating sedation directly into your veins through an IV line. This is usually done to get the sedation to work faster.

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Once the sedation starts working, you will likely fall asleep and have little to no memory of the procedure. During your procedure, your blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels will be monitored in order to ensure it is done properly.

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Before the oral treatment, your anxiety levels will be evaluated first. For this, you will need to provide some information about any medication that you are taking.

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Sedation is generally regarded as safe, especially when it is done by experienced hands like our dentists. Apart from sedation, you will be provided with local anesthesia to eliminate pain and make you feel more comfortable.

If you feel anxious about getting your tooth infections and other oral problems treated, we can confidently say that you have got nothing to worry about! At the Schiff Dental Group, rest assured that we perform painless and comfortable dental procedures for our patients. You may schedule an appointment with us anytime.