Conscious sedation allows people with mild to severe dental anxiety to receive dental care that otherwise may have been neglected.

What is Conscious Sedation?

Conscious sedation refers to a broad range of pharmacologic treatments aimed at easing anxiety, awareness, and memory from dental treatment. It includes treatment modalities from oral medications prior, to inhaled nitrous oxide or intravenous medications during the appointment. Sometimes a combination of the above are utilized as well. A consultation with Dr. Hingst will be needed to determine which form of sedation would be right for you. Factors to be considered include nature of treatment needed, medical history and current medical condition, level and nature of anxiety, past history with sedation, patient preference, and cost.

Intravenous sedation represents the far end of the spectrum. The patient will not necessarily be sleeping, although that is a distinct possibility. The aim is to produce a very relaxed state where the patient is mostly or completely unaware of the surrounding environment. The great majority of patients will have very little or no memory of the procedure. Local anesthesia (or novocaine) is used along with sedation so that the patient is not only very relaxed but pain-free both during and after the procedure. Sedation works best with surgical (extraction) procedures, however it is sometimes used with longer restorative dental treatments as well.

Am I a Good Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?

Intravenous sedation is especially useful for adult patients who:

• Have moderate to high dental anxiety
• Need more intensive dental treatments (impacted tooth extractions)
• Have difficulty getting numb
• Have a strong gag reflex
• Would like to be much less aware of dental procedures

Ask you doctor or hygienist about the range of sedation offered at The Dental Center. If needed, a consultation will be scheduled with Dr. Hingst.

Frequently Asked Questions.

Will I be unconscious?

No you will be very relaxed, but you will be able to respond if prompted by the doctor. You probably, however, will not remember doing so.

Does my escort have to stay at the office?

• YES, if you are to undergo an Intravenous sedation procedure.
  
  
• You will need a driver if you will be taking an oral anxiety medication, but the escort does not need to stay in the office for the duration of the appointment.
  
  
• You do not need an escort for laughing gas.

Will I feel anything?

Any sensations you have will be very easily tolerated. Our main goal is to help you maintain optimal health in the most comfortable and relaxing environment possible!

How long will I be sedated?

The effect of medications is individual. However, most people are sleeping or very relaxed and quiet for 1-2 hours depending on individual patient needs.

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