Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry refers to the use of medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. Options include inhaled minimal sedation and oral sedation, which our office uses in conjunction with a local anesthetic.
With inhaled minimal sedation, nitrous oxide is combined with oxygen through a mask that we place over your nose and is also referred to as “laughing gas.” This gas helps you relax and wears off quickly following your procedure. With inhaled minimal sedation, you are able to safely drive yourself home after your visit.
Oral sedation can range from minimal to moderate, depending on the total dose given, and is administered by taking a pill about an hour before your procedure. Halcion is typically used, which is in the same drug family as Valium. You will be drowsy upon arrival at our office and sedated just enough to be unaware of the treatment but still be awake. Depending on your medical history and the procedure being performed, a larger dose may be given to produce moderate sedation. You will need a driver to escort you to and from the dental office.
In addition to sedation, we will also use a local anesthetic. This is a numbing medication placed at the site where dental work will be performed, and relieves pain should the procedure cause any discomfort.
Who Should Receive Sedation
We recommend sedation for patients with dental anxiety, low pain thresholds, aggressive gag reflexes, and sensitive teeth. It is also recommended for patients that will be having a wide range of dental procedures performed in a single visit.
If your child is afraid of going to the dentist or refuses to cooperate during visits, inhaled minimal sedation can be used to calm them. Nitrous oxide has been found to be safe in children and can be administered by our team, keeping the dose within recommended amounts based on the child’s weight and age.
Is Sedation Safe
While there is always risk in getting any type of anesthesia, it is safe when administered by experienced dentists like those in our office. Prior to any procedure involving sedation, our dentist will go over your medical history and any medications you are taking to determine if you’re an appropriate candidate for sedation.
If you are, we will review an information sheet that details the risks of the procedure. You’ll be able to take this sheet home with you. We encourage you to call us if you have any questions or are unclear about any of the verbiage.
During the procedure, our dentist will monitor your vital signs and have oxygen as well as sedation reversal medications on hand in case they are needed.
Reviews From Real Patients
Wendi L.
"I have been seeing Dr. Miller and the staff at Morey Dental for as long as I can remember. This is the only dental team my children have ever known. We have never had a bad experience. The quality of care and the professional, friendly staff are hands down the best! If you are looking for a dental team to take care of you or your family, please give Morey Dental a call. The only regret you will have is why you didn't call them sooner."
Fawn T.
"Dr. Hess is fantastic and the entire staff makes the office such a welcoming and friendly environment! I would highly recommend Dr. Hess!"
Judy K.
"My whole family has been coming here for over 20 years! Dr. Miller and the whole staff is welcoming and so advanced in their technology for dentistry."
Bob A.
"The team at Morey Dental has created the most professional dentist office I’ve ever visited, and the staff are the nicest I’ve ever met."
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