Complex dental treatment, such as interventions to address gum disease, can be intimidating to patients who may already be anxious about getting dental care. These patients may be reluctant to consult with a specialist like a periodontist who can preserve their oral health.
Fortunately, such patients do not have to forgo important and necessary treatment. Sedation dentistry can make any dental treatment a relaxing and calming experience, whether you are anxious before your appointment or facing a time-consuming intervention.
Types of Patients Who Benefit from Sedation Dentistry
A variety of patients who are working with a periodontist can benefit from sedation dentistry. Patients with dental phobia benefit from sedation, which helps them tolerate important treatments, such as scaling and root planing for periodontitis.
Fearful patients are not the only ones who should consider sedation options, though. Patients who will be receiving more complex or invasive treatments, such as placement of dental implants, can also take advantage of sedation, which helps them tolerate longer treatment sessions.
Sedation Options
Different types of sedation are appropriate for different treatments. For example, non-surgical gum treatments can be performed on patients under light sedation, while patients may want to reach a deeper stage of relaxation when having dental implants placed.
It is important to note that our practice uses conscious sedation options so that the patient remains awake – although deeply relaxed – and able to respond to our instructions throughout the appointment. This is safer than general anesthesia, which renders the patient unconscious.
To meet a variety of patient needs, our practice offers two types of sedation:
-
Physician-Led Anesthesia Services (Level IV Sedation) For complex, lengthy, or medically sensitive procedures, we partner with board-certified MD anesthesiologists who come directly to our office. This concierge anesthesia experience delivers a deeper, hospital-level sedation while ensuring your safety, comfort, and care throughout the appointment.
-
Oral Sedation Oral sedation involves taking a prescribed pill at our office before your procedure begins. You will remain awake and responsive, but noticeably more relaxed and less aware of the details of the procedure. This is a great option for patients with mild dental anxiety. Please note that you will need to arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you for a short period afterward.
-
Nitrous Oxide (“Laughing Gas”) Nitrous oxide is a mild sedative inhaled through a small nasal mask that creates a gentle sense of relaxation. It takes effect quickly and wears off within minutes after the mask is removed — meaning you can drive yourself to and from your appointment. While commonly used for children, nitrous oxide is an excellent option for adults with mild anxiety or shorter procedures.
Your periodontist will review these options with you and recommend the one that best meets your needs.
Considerations for Sedation Dentistry
Depending on the type of sedation that will be used in your case, you may need to prepare for the appointment in advance. Oral conscious sedation requires you to have a prescription filled and to take the pill prior to the appointment so that it has enough time to take effect.
As such, patients who receive oral conscious sedation must arrange for a responsible adult to bring them to the appointment and take them home afterward.
Do you have concerns about your ability to tolerate recommended treatment for gum disease? Sedation dentistry may help. Be sure to ask about this option at your consultation.
