Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry and sleep dentistry to help treat patients with dental phobias, anxieties and fear. There are a number of various sedation and sleep methods, including administering oral sedation, a pill, nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and intravenous sedation to deliver a combination of methods.

Prior to anesthesia, do not drink or eat anything for at least 8 hours before surgery. You will need someone to accompany you to the surgery and drive you home afterwards. Do not wear any jewelry, contact lenses or dentures. Also, discuss current medications you are taking with your dentist to ensure that they are approved prior to surgery. During your time under sedation, your overall health is monitored to ensure your safety. You will be assured that your procedure will be free of stress and pain, while also receiving the best possible dental care.

Comfortable Dental Care With Sedation Dentistry

With the many advances in dental technology, Dr. Kujala is able to efficiently provide quality dental care to you and your family by offering oral conscious sedation dentistry. In addition to eliminating pain during dental procedures, sedation dentistry works for patients with:

Oral Conscious Sedation

With this sedation therapy, our dentist can treat even the most anxious patients and often accomplish dental work in one or two visits. Depending on the amount given, oral sedation can range from minimal to moderate. For minimal sedation, you typically take a pill, and it is usually taken about an hour before the procedure. The pill will make you drowsy, although you will still be awake. A multi-dose may be given to produce moderate sedation.

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

Sedation with nitrous oxide (laughing gas) decreases anxiety and promotes relaxation while you remain conscious. Nitrous oxide and oxygen are mixed together and then inhaled through a mask that covers the nose prior to having a dental procedure performed. This is used to produce relaxation and a state of overall comfort. Safe, effective and non-invasive, nitrous oxide is the sedation method of choice for many anxious or fearful patients.