Sedation Dentistry
Nervous or anxious?
Avoiding getting your dental treatment done?
Ask us about IV sedation
Advantages of oral sedation
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Easy to administer: Swallow a small pill
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Safe and easy to monitor
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Works well for most people
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Low Cost
IV sedation is also known as conscious sedation, which doesn't fully put you to sleep. It does, however, make you less aware of what is going on during your treatment. IV sedation is administered intravenously through a vein whereas other forms of sedation are inhaled (like nitrous oxide) or are taken in pill form.
It is an option for patients who are very anxious and nervous about their dental visit. It works quickly and you won't remember what happened during your dental visit or treatment. We recommend not eating or drinking anything at least eight hours before your visit or procedure.
Calming Nerves With Sedation Dentistry
An estimated 9-20% of Americans avoid getting the dental care they need because of anxiety or fear. Fortunately, there are many ways to relieve dental anxiety! First and foremost, please feel free to communicate your fears with us and we will be happy to discuss them with you, and adapt our approach as necessary. Other great tips include choosing a low-stress appointment time, bringing headphones and music, and practicing relaxation techniques and breathing. For our most anxious patients, we are happy to offer several comfortable and simple sedation services here at Puyallup Park Dental.
Minimal Sedation (Oral Sedation)
Some patients opt to take an oral sedative (benzodiazepines) one hour prior to their appointment. This anxiety-reducing sedative acts rapidly, and allows for the patient to remain fully awake during their treatment but feel more relaxed. However, it can be difficult to induce the sedative effect for some patients using this method.
IV Sedation
We also offer intravenous sedation, in which sedatives and other drugs are administered through the vein. IV sedation has very few risks but many benefits for very anxious patients, or patients who need to undergo a large dental procedure. Depending on the level of sedation desired, it can induce varying stages of consciousness from moderate to deep sedation, and also blocks pain.