How Does Sedation Dentistry Work?

• Nitrous Oxide Sedation: Commonly referred to as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is inhaled through a mask placed over the nose. It induces relaxation and euphoria, and its effects wear off quickly after the procedure.
• Oral Sedation: Oral conscious sedation involves mild sedatives, such as oral medication. Patients remain awake and aware, experiencing reduced anxiety.
• IV Sedation: Administered intravenously, IV sedation allows for deep relaxation. Patients may not remember much of the procedure afterward. It’s often used for more extensive treatments. With deep sedation, patients are on the brink of consciousness and can be awakened when necessary. However, they’re unlikely to remember the details of the procedure.
• General Anesthesia: Reserved for complex procedures, general anesthesia renders the patient completely unconscious.
• Local Anesthetics: While not a form of sedation, local anesthetics have pain-relieving properties that are important in dentistry. This technique involves injecting numbing medication into the treatment area, ensuring you remain pain-free throughout the procedure. It’s commonly used alongside minimal or moderate sedation to provide a well-rounded comfort experience.

Dental sedation helps put patient’s minds at ease during many kinds of dental appointments. From routine dental checkups and cleanings to dental implant surgery or tooth extraction, sedation dentistry has many options that can reduce anxiety and other symptoms, such as:

• Dental Anxiety or Phobia: Dental sedation is particularly effective for individuals who experience intense fear or anxiety when visiting the dentist. It helps relax patients and makes them feel more at ease during procedures.
• Strong Gag Reflex: Some individuals have a hypersensitive gag reflex that can make dental procedures, especially those involving the back of the mouth, difficult. Sedation can help suppress the gag reflex, making procedures more manageable.
• Low Pain Tolerance: People with a low pain threshold might find dental procedures uncomfortable. Sedation can work in tandem with an anesthetic to enhance pain relief and minimize discomfort.
• Complex or Lengthy Procedures: Lengthy or complex dental procedures, such as oral surgeries, implant placements, or multiple extractions, can be physically and mentally taxing. Sedation ensures patients remain comfortable throughout.
• Inability to Sit Still: Some patients, including children or people with certain medical conditions, may struggle to sit still during a dental procedure. Sedation helps them stay calm and cooperative.
• Traumatic Dental Experiences: Individuals with a history of traumatic dental experiences might associate dental visits with distress. Sedation can help them overcome their fear.
• Sensitive Teeth or Gums: Patients with sensitive teeth or gums may experience discomfort during routine cleanings or procedures. Sedation can help manage their discomfort and make the experience more tolerable.

As the only cosmetic and implant dentist to achieve board certification for sedation dentistry in Palm Beach County and Palm Beach Gardens, Dr. Ajmo will make you feel relaxed and comfortable during your dental visit. Contact our dental office today at (561) 627-8666.