Feeling nervous about surgery is completely normal. Whether you’re feeling uneasy about the thought of pain, the sensory experience in the operating room, or just the idea of sitting in the chair for treatment—dental anxiety is common and affects 36% of the American population. The good news is, there is support available so you can get the expert treatment your smile deserves.
At Advanced Oral Surgery & Periodontics, we offer several sedation options to help you feel comfortable throughout your procedure. From gentle calming methods to deeper sedation, we’ll help you choose the right type based on your needs, your health, and your comfort level.
Why Sedation Might Be Recommended
Sedation isn’t just for people with dental anxiety. We may recommend sedation if:
- You’ll need a long or complex procedure
- You have a strong gag reflex or trouble sitting still
- You’ve had a difficult time with previous dental experiences
- You feel anxious about dental treatment
We’ll talk with you about how you’re feeling, what to expect, and how we can make the process easier from start to finish.
Your Sedation Options
When it comes to sedation techniques, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. We’ll guide you through your options to help you pick the best one for you.
Local Anesthesia
Is used to numb a specific area. It blocks pain during minor procedures but doesn’t affect your awareness.
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
It helps you feel relaxed during treatment. It wears off quickly and allows you to return to your day without downtime.
Oral Sedation
Uses medication that you take before your procedure. You’ll feel drowsy and calm, but you’ll still be awake. You may not remember much of the appointment, and you’ll need someone to drive you back home.
IV Sedation
This is a deeper level of sedation delivered through a small IV. It’s used for more complex surgeries or when deeper sedation is needed. It works quickly and allows your surgeon to adjust the sedation level through the procedure.
Focus on IV Sedation
IV sedation is one of the most popular choices among our patients—and for good reason. It creates a deeper sense of calm and is ideal for those who feel anxious about their procedure.
The sedative is delivered through a vein, which means it starts working quickly. You’ll enter a twilight state where you’re deeply relaxed but still able to respond. Most people remember little or nothing about the procedure afterward.
IV sedation is carefully monitored by your oral surgeon or an anesthesia-trained provider. We use advanced equipment to track your breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure, so everything remains stable from start to finish.
Safety and Preparation for Sedation
Before your procedure, we’ll give you clear instructions to follow. You may need to avoid eating or drinking for several hours beforehand. We’ll also review your medical history, including any medications you take, to make sure sedation is safe for you.
It’s important to bring a trusted friend or family member with you to your appointment. You won’t be able to drive afterward, and you’ll need someone to help you get home safely.
During sedation, we monitor you closely. Your comfort and safety are always our top priorities.
How to Choose the Right Sedation Option
Choosing the right sedation depends on a few different things. We look at how complex your procedure is, how you feel about treatment, and your overall health.
Some people prefer a lighter option so they can recover quickly. Others want a deeper level of sedation, so they don’t remember the visit. We’ll talk through everything with you and help you feel confident in your decision.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
At Advanced Oral Surgery & Periodontics, we believe that comfort and compassion should be part of every treatment. Sedation options give you the freedom to get the care you need—without the added stress. Schedule your consultation with us today to get started.
