SEDATION DENTISTRY
NITROUS OXIDE
If you prefer, nitrous oxide can be administered via a mask placed over your nose. It’s a gas, popularly known as laughing gas, because it gives you a light feeling, free of worry. Nitrous oxide is begun when you are comfortably settled in your dental chair. It takes effect very quickly. It is administered continuously through the mask. When Dr. Vanstrom has finished your procedure and the mask is removed, the effects of the nitrous oxide will wear off in a few minutes. That means you can drive yourself home.
Advantages: Mild pain control/sedation
Reversible
Can drive yourself home
Disadvantages: Mild pain control and sedation,may not be enough
Reversible, no residual sedation for post op pain control
Best For: Mildly fearful patients
To pass the time of treatment
Short easy procedures
When a ride home is not available and cost is a factor
ORAL SEDATION
It truly makes dentistry a breeze. You can sleep right through your dental treatments. It is extremely safe. Dr. Vanstrom dispenses you a pill before your treatment; there is no need for tubes or needles. You will have little memory of the sedation visit and usually won’t even remember dental odors or images. After taking the pill you will drift in a sleep-like state, the actual time you will be asleep depends on your treatment needs. Now, complicated dental procedures requiring multiple appointments can be completed in a single day! All this while you experience a comfortable state of slumber.
Advantages: Mild to moderate pain control/sedation
Not reversible, comfortable ride home
Disadvantages: Mild to moderate pain control/sedation, may not be enough
Difficult to control level of sedation achieved for a given patient
Prior arrangements essential for transportation
Best for: Mildly fearful patients
To pass the time of treatment
Short and easy procedures
When predictable sedation is not essential
IV SEDATION
IV Sedation, or intravenous sedation, allows Dr. Vanstrom to customize the level of sedation for each patient’s specific needs. This method utilizes intravenous medications to achieve the exact level of sedation needed to provide comfort for the patient. If the dental procedure is a lengthy one, intravenous sedation is especially helpful, because medication can be added to maintain the patient’s comfort level. With the intravenous method most patients do not remember what happened during the procedure, and will have a comfortable overall experience. Throughout the procedure, your breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure will be monitored. Patients recover quickly but may feel slightly groggy afterwards. IV sedation is extremely safe when delivered by a training dentist or anesthesiologist.
Advantages: Moderate to significant pain control/sedation
Moderate to significant control of gag reflexes
Not reversible, comfortable ride home
Easy to control the level of sedation, predictable comfort
Disadvantages: Prior arrangements essential, empty stomach and transportation
Patient must be in good overall health
Moderate cost
Best for: Patients who have a difficult time getting numb
Fearful patients
Long and extensive procedures
When comfort is important
When predictable sedation is essential for difficult procedures
