Dental sedation

Some patients just aren’t comfortable visiting the dentist, even to the point of skipping necessary appointments. We understand. To help make these patients less anxious and more comfortable, we offer two types of sedation dentistry.

These options are especially helpful for any patient who:

• Is afraid and anxious about the dentist
• Had a traumatic dental experience in the past
• Has a condition that makes it difficult to sit still in a dental chair for an extended period
• Has exceptionally sensitive teeth
• Gags easily which makes dental treatments more challenging

Dr. Scolieri and team offer two types of sedation dentistry. Depending on the patient and required treatment, we will determine the best option for you.

Nitrous oxide

The use of nitrous oxide is also commonly referred to as inhaled minimal sedation. This is minimally invasive, and patients who receive this form of sedation will be awake throughout their treatment. Patients are able to drive themselves home after the procedure.

Nitrous oxide is combined with oxygen and administered in gas form through a mask that's placed over a patient’s nose. The gas is easy to control, very effective in helping a patient relax, and wears off quickly after the procedure.

Oral sedation

Oral sedation is administered in pill form, and depending on the dosage, it can range from a minimal to moderate level of sedation.

The pill that will be prescribed by your dentist and is typically taken by the patient an hour before the procedure. The pill makes patients drowsy and relaxed. While this can make some people groggy enough to fall asleep during the procedure, they can usually be easily awakened with a gentle shake. Patients choosing this type of sedation cannot drive themselves home after this procedure.