Sedation Dentistry

If you have dental anxiety that keeps you from getting regular cleanings or other important dental work, sedation dentistry can help. At Issaquah Dental Care, the experienced dental team offers ways to calm you down so you can get the oral care you need. Oral and intravenous (IV) sedation help alleviate your anxiety so that you can sit in the dental chair without worry. Call the Issaquah, Washington, office today to schedule an appointment and learn more, or use this website to book your consultation online. 

What is sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry offers a way to alleviate your anxiety and discomfort associated with time in the dental chair. The staff at Issaquah Dental Care uses medications that are inhaled, delivered intravenously, or through oral ingestion to help you relax and stay calm during dental work. 

If you think you’ll need sedation dentistry, let the staff know before your visit. Inhaled sedation is easy to apply and can be a last-minute decision, but other forms require prior warning so you can get the necessary prescriptions or arrange the longer appointment times needed. 

What types of sedation dentistry do you offer?

Sedation dentistry has different levels of intensity:

Inhaled sedation

You may be familiar with laughing gas or nitrous oxide. This inhaled sedative has no lasting side effects and is appropriate for adults and children. A mask fits over your nose, and you inhale the gas to relax and take the edge off your experience. The effects of the gas take effect in just a few minutes. You feel deep relaxation and warmth through your fingers and toes. You can drive home after receiving laughing gas.

Oral sedatives

Oral sedation can be helpful if you have moderate to severe dental anxiety. Your dentist prescribes a medication you take just 30-60 minutes before your scheduled visit. The medications keep you alert, but you should not drive to or from your appointment. 

The sedatives make you feel completely relaxed, but you can still answer questions and function. 

Intravenous sedation

Intravenous, or IV, sedation is delivered directly to your veins. During IV sedation, you feel very relaxed and are quite unaware of what’s happening around you. You can respond to basic commands but won’t remember much about your visit.

The team at Issaquah Dental Care monitors your vitals throughout the visit. You will need a friend or family member to drive you home after your appointment. 

Am I a candidate for sedation dentistry?

If you struggle with dental anxiety, sedation dentistry may be for you. Other factors that can make sedation dentistry a good choice include: 

• Low pain tolerance
• Sensitive teeth
• A sensitive gag reflex
• Difficulty sitting still

Children who fear the dentist are great candidates for nitrous oxide sedation. The harmless sedative helps keep them still in the chair and eases any apprehension or fear. 

If you have dental anxiety that’s keeping you from getting the care you need, contact Issaquah Dental Care today. Call the office or use the online tool to book an appointment.