Dental Sedation: Advanced Care and Exceptional Patient Experience
Our goal is to provide an atmosphere of comfort and relaxation for your oral care experience. We offer multiple sedation options and will work with you to craft the most pleasant experience possible.
Sedation Options
Local Anesthetic
This anesthetic option numbs the treatment area but leaves you alert and able to go about your day as long as your procedure doesn’t include other sedation. With local anesthetics, an anesthetic is injected into the treatment area. You may feel a quick pinch but the rest of your treatment should be much more comfortable. Local anesthetic can be combined with other sedation options so talk to us about your needs.
Oral Conscious Sedation
In this type of sedation, you’ll be awake but very relaxed and less aware of what’s happening around you. Oral sedation is administered via prescribed oral medication. We provide detailed instructions regarding how and when to take the medication so the sedation takes effect at the right time. If you choose this service, you will not be able to drive following your procedure. It’s important to bring a trusted person with you to your appointment so they can wait in the waiting room and drive you home following your procedure.
IV Sedation
IV sedation is administered directly into the bloodstream via IV and works very fast. It works well for both minor and advanced treatments as the amount of sedative can be quickly dialed up or down in real time depending on your needs. At Vista, our IV treatments are always monitored by an experienced clinician who is focused on ensuring that the patient’s sedation treatment is safe and effective. We require a friend or family member to wait in the lobby during this type of sedation so you are ensured a safe drive home.
General Anesthetic
Oral surgery, like other forms of surgery, sometimes require general anesthesia in which renders you unconscious for the duration of the procedure. If you believe general anesthesia may be the right choice for you, our team will review your medical history, current health status, and treatment plan to decide if it will be a safe and productive choice. As with oral sedation and IV sedation, if you undergo general anesthetic sedation, you will need a friend or family member to accompany you to your appointment and drive you home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Drive Home After Receiving Dental Sedation?
Local anesthetic is frequently used to numb the teeth and gums before a restorative treatment takes place. Since it’s only used for numbing purposes and does not alter the patient’s state of mind, any patient who receives local anesthetic is free to drive themselves home. The effects of oral conscious sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia can last well after treatment is complete, so we require a friend or family member to wait in our lobby during your appointment if your are utilizing these forms of sedation.
Does Dental Sedation Come With Side Effects?
Dental sedation usually comes with mild side effects, if any. Patients are often a little tired post-treatment, but they may also experience dizziness, dry mouth, nausea, or headaches. Side effects of dental sedation should dissipate within 24 hours. If they last longer, become more severe, or a fever develops, please let our team know. The best thing a patient can do after their appointment is rest and relax as much as possible.
Who is Not a Candidate for Dental Sedation?
Before dental sedation is administered, our team thoroughly reviews the patient’s medical and oral health history to determine if sedation will be a safe and effective choice for them. We take into account the medications the patient is taking as well as their age and their allergies. Dental sedation is rarely approved for pregnant women due to safety concerns. Should you have any questions or concerns for our team regarding dental sedation, please don’t hesitate to ask, and we will be glad to assist.
A Positive Dental Experience is on The Horizon
Before dental sedation is administered, our team will thoroughly review your medical and oral health history to determine if sedation will be a safe and effective choice. Should you have any questions or concerns for our team regarding dental sedation, please don’t hesitate to ask, and we will be glad to assist.
We believe that every patient should have an accepting, safe environment to ask questions and receive advanced oral therapies. Ready to get started on your journey to personalized oral care? Contact us to set up a consultation.