Sedation Dentistry

Have you been putting off your dental appointments because of anxiety or fear? You’re not alone. In fact, studies show that as many as 30 to 40 million Americans avoid going to the dentist because of these feelings. But there’s good news — dental sedation can help!

Dental sedation is a safe and effective way to help you relax during your dental appointment. It can be used for a wide variety of dental procedures, from simple cleanings to more complex treatments like root canals or extractions.

There are several different types of dental sedation, and our Simsbury, CT team will work with you to choose the best option for your individual needs. Below are just a few of the most common types of dental sedation:

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide is a fairly common type of dental sedation. It’s a gas you breathe in through a small mask placed over your nose. Nitrous oxide begins taking effect in a matter of seconds and can even make you feel a little lightheaded or giddy. The effects of nitrous oxide wear off quickly, so you’ll be able to drive yourself home after your appointment. While uncommon, side effects of nitrous oxide may include drowsiness, nausea, and vomiting.

If you are suffering from a cold, allergies, sinus infection, or other congestive conditions, you may not be able to use nitrous oxide. Be sure to tell our team if you have any of these conditions before your appointment.

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation is another popular option, especially for patients with more severe dental anxiety. Oral sedation is a pill that you take before your appointment. It’s usually taken about an hour before your scheduled procedure. Oral sedation will make you feel drowsy and relaxed, but you will still be awake and able to respond to questions or commands from our team.

Because this sedation is much stronger when compared to nitrous oxide, you’ll need someone to drive you home after your appointment if you choose oral sedation. Side effects may include drowsiness, dizziness, and nausea.

IV Sedation

IV sedation is the strongest type of dental sedation. It’s typically used for more complex procedures, like extractions or root canals. With IV sedation, the medication is delivered directly into your bloodstream through a small needle in your arm. IV sedation takes effect quickly, and the effects can be easily controlled. You may not even remember your procedure once it’s over!

because we care about your comfort

Our team at Simsbury Family and Cosmetic Dentistry is ready to help you relax during your next dental appointment. We lead every interaction with kindness, patience, and compassion — and we’ll never judge you for your dental anxiety. We understand how tough it can be to face your fears, but we want to help you conquer them!

If you’d like to learn more about our dental sedation options, or if you have any questions about your upcoming appointment, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’re always happy to chat and help put your mind at ease.

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