Easing Your Dental Anxiety
Dental anxiety can lead people to avoid the dentist which can lead to the development of oral health issues. If this sounds like you, we have sedation options to help alleviate anxiety related to dental care.
Prior to or during your dental appointment at Ocean Dental, you can be provided with a sedative that can make you feel relaxed and comfortable. You may even feel like you are asleep through your treatment.
Whether you're coming in for a routine checkup or a longer, complex oral surgical procedure, our dentists will take the time to discuss any concerns you may have and help you decide whether sedation is right for you.
IV Sedation
IV sedation is a method where the patient is given the necessary dosage of medications through an IV placed by the dentist. Although some patients will state they have 'fallen asleep', they will actually be awake throughout the procedure. The medication allows patients to respond to instructions and answer questions but the patient generally has no recollection of the procedure taking place.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation involves pills or liquid taken orally before your appointment. The medication allows patients to enter a state of relaxation during treatment. Often, patients also receive an injection of local anesthetic to avoid the possibility of feeling any pain. Inhalation sedation, such as nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas) is another alternative that provides a sedative effect and relief from any pain.
Preparation Procedures: Your Peace of Mind
Prior to IV or oral sedation, you will need to complete a thorough medical questionnaire so that we can choose and dispense the right medication for you.
If you will be receiving IV sedation at your appointment, a responsible companion must accompany you to and from the visit.
Depending on the treatment you receive, you should not plan to do anything for the remainder of the day. You should be able to resume normal activities after about 24 hours.
Pre & Post Sedation Instructions
For your safety, it is important to follow our pre and post sedation instructions. Please download and review our instructions prior to your procedure.
Pre-sedation Patient Instructions (.PDF) Post-sedation Patient Instructions (.PDF)