Sedation Dentistry

If you feel anxious or nervous about visiting the dentist, you’re not alone. Experienced dentist Seung Jae (David) Joung, DMD, understands that certain dental procedures can be nerve-racking for patients, which is why he offers sedation dentistry techniques at Frontier Family Dental in Graham, Washington. Sedation dentistry uses medication to help you relax during your dental treatment. Call the practice or schedule an appointment online to learn more.

What is sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is a technique that uses medication to relieve stress, anxiety, and discomfort during dental procedures. Your dentist at Frontier Family Dental administers a sedative before your treatment so you can relax during your appointment.

As experienced dental providers, the team understands that visiting the dentist can be stressful for some patients. Sedation dentistry ensures you foster positive experiences with your dentist, which encourages you to maintain good oral health and schedule regular visits. 

Are there different types of sedation dentistry?

There are multiple types of sedation dentistry, but the most common are:

Nitrous oxide

Nitrous oxide, commonly called laughing gas, is a gas that you inhale along with oxygen. It’s the most common and safest form of sedation. 

When taking nitrous oxide, you inhale the gas through a mask that fits snugly over your nose. Within minutes, you start to feel relaxed and less anxious. Some patients also feel giggly and euphoric. Nitrous oxide calms anxiety, raises your pain threshold, and makes time feel as if it’s passing quickly. Its effects wear off quickly, so you can drive yourself home after your visit.

Oral sedation

During oral sedation, you take a sedative in pill form about 40 minutes to one hour before your procedure. You remain conscious but not completely aware of your surroundings. Time may pass very quickly, allowing your dentist to perform your procedure while you relax. 

Oral sedatives typically take several hours to wear off, so you must coordinate a ride home after your visit.

IV sedation

Intravenous (IV) sedation involves injecting sedative medications directly into your bloodstream. It takes effect immediately and wears off several hours after you leave the office. You must have a ride home and a trusted friend or relative to monitor you after IV sedation.

Who should consider sedation dentistry?

Many patients can benefit from sedation dentistry. Your dentist at Frontier Family Dental may recommend sedation techniques if you:

• Have dental anxiety
• Are fearful of the dentist
• Have sensitive teeth
• Have a low pain threshold 
• Are sensitive to certain sounds
• Struggle to sit still
• Need extensive dental work
• Have a sensitive gag reflex

Call Frontier Family Dental today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about sedation dentistry.