Sedation Dentistry is able to reach out and provide needed dental care to those who otherwise would not receive it.

We recognize that there are many reasons why 50% of the U.S. population do not receive dental care, but two of the most common reasons are:

• Extreme anxiety
• No time for multiple appointments

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation Dentistry bridges the gap between new technology and patient comfort. After an initial consultation, your Sedation Dentistry appointment will be scheduled. You are given a small pill to make you snooze through your dental appointment. Even though you are not technically asleep, our patients describe the experience as seeming to be asleep. You will have little or no memory of the appointment. You will not even remember any sounds or smells.

With Sedation Dentistry, you will find that your treatment is performed more comfortably than you might ever have thought possible. You will be drowsy and unaware of the time passing by. During the entire appointment you will be monitored continually by our specially trained team of professionals.

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Am I a Good Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation Dentistry is especially useful for adult patients who:

• Have high anxiety about dental visits
• Have had traumatic dental experiences in the past
• Have difficulty getting numb
• Have a strong gag reflex
• Have TMJ troubles and cannot open their mouth for extended periods
• Are afraid of needles
• Have sensitive teeth
• Hate the noises and/or smells associated with dental care
• Simply do not have the time for multiple visits

Dr. Peters will schedule a consultation appointment first to answer any questions and screen for any medical reasons you may not be eligible for Sedation Dentistry.

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Types of Sedation Dentistry:

Oral Conscious Sedation

With oral conscious sedation you will take one or more pills by mouth. You remain conscious and able to respond to simple requests made by the dentist, but you will be sedated and largely unaware of time. You will have almost no memory of the visit. Sedation patients often describe feeling like they "snoozed" through the appointment. Oral conscious sedation medications are more effective than using laughing gas alone. Sedation allows your fear and anxiety to disappear and leaves you with little memory of your visit.

IV Conscious Sedation

IV conscious sedation uses the same class of sedative medications as with Oral Conscious Sedation, but the medications are administered intravenously. This allows a faster response time for the medications and provides ability to better modify the level and length of sedation. As with oral sedation, IV sedation leaves you conscious and able to respond, but sedated so that you have little or no memory of your dental visit and none of the anxiety normally associated with that visit. Sedation patients often describe feeling like they "slept" through the appointment. IV conscious sedation is more effective than laughing gas alone and makes the visit easier for both you and your doctor.

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Frequently Asked Questions.

Will I be unconscious?

No, you will be very relaxed, but you will be able to respond. You will probably not, however, remember any of your visit.

Does my companion have to stay at the office?

Your companion must drive you to our office for your appointment and return you home afterwards. During the actual procedure, your companion is free to stay, or leave and come back to pick you up at the end of the procedure.

Will I feel anything?

No, you will feel no discomfort.

How long will I be sedated?

You will be sedated for 2 to 8 hours, depending on your dental care needs.

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