Sedation
There are different types and degrees of dental sedation; the sedation dentistry technique recommended by Dr. Gubler will depend upon the treatment being performed and/or the degree of your dental anxiety. We will be able to tell you if you are a candidate for moderate sedation with oral sedatives or nitrous oxide, or deeper sedation with intravenous medication.
Candidates for sedation dentistry include patients with a fear of needles or other dental anxiety, as well as individuals who require complex treatment and would like their treatment performed during a single visit.
Some patients (including children) have a natural fear of the dentist, while others have had a traumatic dental experience in their past that has made them reluctant to seek treatment again. Many patients find their anxiety is eased when they undergo procedures while in a sleep-like state.
Sedation Methods:
- Inhalation Conscious Sedation, Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen Sedation also known as "laughing gas". This is the most frequently used sedation method used in dentistry. All bodily functions remain normal and the person is able to breathe on their own. Inhalation Sedation has been used by dentists for many years.
- Conscious Sedation "Orally Administered Sedation” is administered by taking a pill. All body functions remain normal and the person is able to breathe on their own and you will often fall asleep. Some degree of amnesia is common. Even though you are CONSCIOUS, we require that you have a driver to drop you off and pick you up from your appointment.
- IV Sedation also known as Deep Conscious Sedation. With this type of sedation, medications are administered directly into the blood stream.
IV sedation tends to be the method of choice if you don't want to be aware of the procedure - you "don't want to know".
The onset of action is very rapid, and drug dosage and level of sedation can be tailored to meet the individuals needs. IV sedation is both highly effective and highly reliable. Most patients don’t remember their dental visit.
