PATIENT COMFORT AND SEDATION DENTISTRY
Dental sedation is a service that can be implemented into treatment when a patient suffers from dental anxiety or dental phobia. We are happy to offer several options for our patients to make their dental visit as comfortable and relaxing as possible. Sedation dentistry enables patients, who may otherwise avoid the dentist, to receive dental treatment necessary for a healthy smile.
Depending on the extent of the anxiety or phobia, varying degrees of dental sedation can be utilized as described below.
Oral Sedatives
Oral sedation is used to "take the edge off" and provide relaxation to patients in for of prescription pills. The medication can be given to a patient the night before a dental procedure and/or 30-60 minutes prior to the dental appointment. Oral sedatives do not provide pain relief, so local anesthetic will also be administered.
Intravenous (IV) Sedation
IV sedation provides relaxation medication through a small IV line that is inserted into your hand or arm. Since IV sedation does not provide pain relief, a local anesthetic will also be administered. IV sedation allows patients to still be awake but in an extreme state of relaxation, feeling no pain. Dr. Mason is trained and licensed to provide IV sedation to patients in the office in order to make you as comfortable as possible while you are with us.
—Jeanette H.