Does the thought of your next dental appointment make you anxious? If dental visits cause fear or nervousness, you’re not alone. Even routine dental care can feel overwhelming for some patients, and dental anxiety can sometimes prevent people from getting the treatment they need.

At Summit Dental Excellence, we understand that every patient has different concerns when it comes to dental treatment. Sedation dentistry in Oconomowoc can help patients feel more relaxed and comfortable during certain dental procedures, making it easier to receive the care they need.

Our experienced dental team will discuss your medical history, treatment needs, and concerns before recommending whether sedation is appropriate for you. Throughout treatment, your vital signs are monitored as appropriate to help ensure your safety and comfort.

Sedation dentistry is different from general anesthesia. With many forms of dental sedation, you remain conscious, can communicate with your dental team, and continue breathing independently while feeling calm and relaxed.

What Is Conscious Sedation?

Conscious sedation refers to medication or other techniques used to help reduce anxiety and increase comfort during dental treatment while allowing the patient to remain responsive.

Unlike general anesthesia, which places a patient into an unconscious state, patients receiving conscious sedation generally remain awake enough to respond to verbal instructions and maintain their own airway.

Sedation can be administered in different ways depending on the patient’s needs, medical history, and planned procedure. At Summit Dental Excellence, available options may include nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral sedation.

Nitrous Oxide — “Laughing Gas”

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is an inhaled form of sedation that can help patients feel relaxed and more comfortable during dental treatment.  A mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen is delivered through a small mask placed over the nose. Patients typically remain conscious and are able to communicate with the dental team throughout the procedure.

Nitrous oxide is commonly used for patients who experience mild to moderate dental anxiety or who simply want to feel more relaxed during treatment. The effects generally wear off quickly after the gas is discontinued, although your dentist will provide specific instructions based on your individual situation.

Advantages of Dental Inhalation Sedation

  • Works well for mild to moderate anxiety
  • Rapid onset
  • Flexible duration can be used for any appointment length
  • Absolute control. It is easy to quickly control the level of sedation which may be altered moment to moment.
  • People recover quickly
  • Very few side effects
  • There is an analgesic effect
  • You can drive yourself to and from your dental appointment
  • You can return to normal activities immediately

Disadvantages of Dental Inhalation Sedation

  • Severe anxiety may require a deeper level of sedation
  • Not indicated for people who have respiratory problems (Asthma and Emphysema)
  • Claustrophobic patients do not like anything covering their nose

WHAT MEDICATIONS ARE USED FOR DENTAL INHALATION SEDATION?

  • Nitrous Oxide (N2O)
  • Oxygen (O2)

The safety features of the machine ensure a patient receives no less than 30% Oxygen mixed with Nitrous Oxide. Usually, the patient receives 50 to 70% Oxygen.

Oral Conscious Sedation

Oral sedation involves taking a prescribed medication before or around the time of your dental appointment to help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. Medications commonly used for oral sedation may belong to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines.

Depending on the medication and dosage, patients may experience significant relaxation and may remember little of the procedure afterward. However, oral sedation does not necessarily make a patient unconscious, and individual responses can vary.

Because oral sedation can impair coordination, alertness, and judgment, patients who receive it typically need an adult to drive them to and from their appointment and should follow all instructions provided by their dentist.

Advantages of Dental Oral Sedation

  • Easy to administer: swallow a small pill
  • It is safe and easy to monitor
  • Works well for most people
  • Low cost

Disadvantages of Dental Inhalation Sedation

  • The level of sedation is not easily changed
  • Someone must drive you to and from your dental appointment

What Medications Are Used For Dental Oral Sedation?

The most common medication is Halcion (triazolam). Halcion provides a deep level of relaxation and amnesia effect. For children the most common medication is Versed (Medazolan) which is a liquid.

Comfortable Dental Care in Oconomowoc

Dental anxiety shouldn’t prevent you from taking care of your oral health. If you’re nervous about an upcoming procedure or have avoided dental care because of fear, talk with our team at Summit Dental Excellence.

We’ll take the time to understand your concerns, explain your treatment options, and determine whether sedation dentistry may be appropriate for you. Our goal is to make your dental experience as comfortable, calm, and positive as possible.