Family Dentist in Preston, ID

Sedation

This method uses medicine to help patients relax during dental procedures, and though patients remain awake, they often do not remember much of the appointment afterwards.

There are many people who avoid going to the dentist for years or even decades because they are afraid of having dental work performed. It is because of patients who are anxious that Kelley Family Dentistry offers sedation dentistry so that their patients receive the dental care they need. Sedation dentistry offers the advantages of having dental procedures done while you are sedated. Many patients have been able to overcome their fear of the dentist when they find out about sedation dentistry. We hope to add you to this group.

Types of Sedation Dentistry

Kelley Family Dentistry offers oral sedation (pill form), nitrous oxide, and IV sedation. You and our doctors will decide what type of sedation is best for you.

Nitrous Oxide Advantages

Nitrous oxide is commonly known as “laughing gas.” It puts you into a state of conscious sedation so that you are able to still communicate with our doctors and their team during your dental procedure. You are able to breathe normally, as well as follow commands. It is not uncommon to periodically drift off while under nitrous oxide sedation.

Some of the main advantages of nitrous oxide sedation are:

 Works quickly
 Best for those with mild to moderate dental anxiety
 Level of sedation is easy to control
 Available for all appointment lengths
 Patient recovers quickly
 Few if any side effects
 Patient may drive self to and from appointment
 Patient may return to normal activities very quickly

However, nitrous oxide may not be strong enough for your level of anxiety, and it can be hard to overcome your pre-appointment anxiety. Some people also experience anxiety about the mask itself, which makes this a less appropriate choice.

Oral Sedation Advantages

Oral sedation involves a prescription for a pill that we will administer once you reach our office. You will achieve a level of conscious sedation, which means that you’ll be aware and able to answer questions. You will be able to breathe normally. You likely won’t fall asleep, but the time will pass quickly.

Some of the main advantages of oral sedation are:

 Easy to use
 Can combat moderate or severe dental anxiety
 Very safe with few side effects
 You will, however, need someone to help you get to and from your appointment. Your Doctor will decide on an appropriate dose for your sedation, and you will likely still feel the effects when you leave our office.

IV Sedation Advantages

IV sedation delivers sedation directly to you intravenously. This allows for deeper sedation than is available either with nitrous oxide or oral sedation, although the medications used are often the same as in oral sedation.
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Advantages of IV sedation include:

 Works quickly
 Can combat high anxiety levels
 Available for all appointment lengths

IV sedation may require respiratory support because it can depress your ability to breathe. IV sedation is only available at offices with special equipment and training, such as the office of Kelley Family Dentistry. Offering IV sedation is part of our commitment to ensuring the best possible experience for all dental patients.

Candidates for Sedation Dentistry

You may be a candidate for sedation dentistry if you:

 Have at least a mild level of dental anxiety
 Have a serious gag reflex
 Have chronic jaw pain
 Need several dental procedures performed at once

To learn more about sedation dentistry, please don't hesitate to contact us