Sedation Dentistry

Types of sedation utilized at Reform Dentistry:

• Inhalation sedation. Using nitrous oxide gas -- otherwise known as "laughing gas" -- combined with oxygen through a mask that's placed over your nose. The gas helps you relax. Your dentist can control the amount of sedation you receive, and the gas tends to wear off quickly. This is the only form of sedation where you may be able to drive yourself home after the procedure.
• Oral sedation. Depending on the total dose given, oral sedation can range from minimal to moderate. For minimal sedation, you take a pill usually an hour before the procedure. The pill will make you drowsy, although you'll still be awake. A larger dose may be given to produce moderate sedation. This is the type of anesthesia most commonly associated with sedation dentistry. Some people become groggy enough from moderate oral sedation to actually fall asleep during the procedure. They usually can, though, be awakened with a gentle shake.
• IV moderate sedation (most method utilized at Reform Dentistry). You receive the sedative drug through a vein, so it goes to work more quickly. This method allows the dentist to continually adjust the level of sedation and control the duration according to the procedure performed.
• Deep sedation and general anesthesia. You will get medications that will make you either almost unconscious or totally unconscious -- deeply asleep -- during the procedure. While you are under general anesthesia, you cannot easily be awakened until the effects of the anesthesia wear off or are reversed with medication.

If you are scheduled for sedation (Sleep Dentistry), it is important to adhere strictly to the pre-op instructions, this includes refraining from eating or drinking (Anything!) including water for 8 hours before your scheduled procedure. Also, make sure you arrange transportation on that day.