Sedation Dentistry

Naperville, IL Dentist

Sedation Dentistry utilizes medication to create a more comfortable and relaxing dental care experience, even for patients with significant dental anxiety.

The advantages of sedation dentistry are manifold, and can be tailored to meet individual needs. The process enables your body to achieve complete relaxation, which enhances the effect of local anesthesia. Additionally, sedation dentistry alters the perception of time passing, a useful quality for prolonged or complex treatments. It also prevents muscle stiffness or soreness, typically a result of maintaining the same position for extended durations.

At all times, experienced dental professionals closely monitor your sedation to ensure your comfort and safety.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation

Often referred to as “laughing gas,” Nitrous Oxide is a mild sedation medication that, once inhaled, initiates a state of slight relaxation and desensitizes you to pain. Virtually every patient, irrespective of age, can safely use Nitrous Oxide. Post-treatment, oxygen is utilized to offset the impact of the nitrous oxide, after which you will be fully alert and able to drive yourself home.

Oral Conscious Sedation

Oral Conscious Sedation (OCS) offers a more profound sedation level compared to Nitrous Oxide, leading many patients to opt for it thanks to the deeper relaxation offered. Though you can still stand and respond to questions while under OCS, you remain in a serene and drowsy state throughout the procedure. An additional benefit of OCS, especially for patients with dental anxiety, include partial or complete amnesia of the procedure.

Unlike with Nitrous Oxide, if you choose Oral Conscious Sedation, you will require someone to drive you home post-procedure. While there are no lasting aftereffects, the sedative influence of these medications can take up to 24 hours to fully dissipate.

Your safety is our top priority. At your appointment, be sure to tell us:

  • Any prescription medications or over-the-counter medications you are taking
  • Any herbal or nutritional supplements you are using
  • Any allergies you have, particularly medication reactions
  • Any health conditions you have
  • Any questions or concerns you may have about your treatment or about sedation dentistry