Sedation Dentistry

If you are looking for state-of-the-art sedation dentistry in Fairfield, CT, look no further than Aesthetic Dentistry of Fairfield. Our experienced team will make sure that your visit is as comfortable and relaxing as possible. Call us at (203) 259-7073 today to ask about your sedation options or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Lee.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Many people have anxiety about the dentist. When you are anxious, your pain threshold decreases and can make you hypersensitive to every sensation. Oftentimes, highly anxious patients find it difficult to undergo needed dental treatment and will continually postpone their care, resulting in compounding dental and health issues.

Sedation dentistry, sometimes called “sleep dentistry,” involves the use of sedatives before or during dental treatment to help relax the patient and ease their anxiety in order to complete dental procedure without patient discomfort. These methods of sedation are safe and efficient when used in an appropriate setting under the care of our highly trained doctor. Dr. Lee can assess your level of dental anxiety and can discuss the different options available for sedation dentistry. 

Sedation dentistry is available in different levels, from minimal to profound, and we will help you choose your level depending on your overall needs and individual desires for sedation. 

Levels of sedation include:

• Minimal sedation: You are relaxed but awake.
• Moderate sedation (also called “conscious sedation”): Drowsy, you may slur when speaking and not remember much of the procedure.
• Deep sedation: You are on the edge of consciousness but can still be awakened.
• General anesthesia: You are entirely unconscious.

Our dental office wants to ensure every patient is as comfortable as possible for any dental procedures they require, so that all patients can get the necessary dental treatment that they need. We offer sedation options to help patients with their dental anxiety to provide a stress-free and painless dental experience.

Types of Sedation for Dental Procedures

We provide several different sedative options for the most basic treatments, such as routine cleanings or dental fillings, to the more advanced procedures, such as oral surgery or full mouth rehabilitations. We make sure that every patient is in a safe environment, and our specialists will take proper precautions and properly monitor every patient while under dental sedation. Before any form of sedation, we will go over your complete health history to ensure your health is adequate and that you are a good candidate for sedation dentistry.

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

Nitrous oxide is a form of inhalation conscious sedation, and is one of the safest forms of dental sedation available today. Nitrous oxide, sometimes known as “laughing gas,” is a colorless gas you inhale through your nose. It is continuously administered through a hood that covers your nose while you are in the dental chair for the duration of your procedure. 

Nitrous oxide sedation is a mild sedative, and helps you relax. The biggest advantage of nitrous oxide is its rapid onset and offset– this means that it works quickly, within seconds or minutes, and also exits your body quickly. This allows for you to drive yourself home after your procedures. 

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation, also known as pill sedation, is another form of sedation used by dentist to help calm anxious patients during dental procedures. Oral sedation is a popular option for many patients because it is easy to administer and an oral sedative does not require needles. 

Patients take the sedative in the form of a pill, by swallowing or placing the pill under the tongue, in the hours leading up to the appointment. Patients will remain awake but will feel groggy under this form of sedation; you may have little to no memory of your procedure. As the oral sedative is taken before your procedure and temporarily affects your memory and motor skills, you must have someone drive you to and from your appointment. Oral sedatives can be safely used in combination with nitrous oxide. 

IV Sedation

Intravenous or IV sedation refers to the administering of an anti-anxiety drug through a vein in the arm or hand. IV sedation is sometimes referred to as “twilight” or “sleep” dentistry, and is the deepest form of conscious sedation available within our office. Your IV sedation will be administered and is continuously monitored by a dental anesthesiologist specialist for the duration of your visit.

During your appointment, the dental anesthesiologist will introduce a thin needle into a vein in the arm or hand. The needle is connected to an intravenous tube that delivers the sedative directly into your bloodstream. If needed, dosage can be quickly adjusted. Patients usually fall asleep but can breathe on their own. Patients also typically have an amnesic response to IV sedation, and will not remember their procedure or visit when they wake up. You will be continuously monitored for a pulse, blood pressure, and oxygen by the anesthesiologist, to ensure safety. This is the best option for people with severe dental anxiety or for those undergoing lengthy dental procedures.

Experience Sedation Dentistry for Any Treatment

We understand that dental work is not easy to face. With sedation dentistry, we can offer a more relaxing and pain-free experience to our patients. Your safety and oral health are always our priority, and we want you to have a comfortable experience at our office. For more information about our sedation options, or to schedule an appointment, please get in touch with our dental office at (203) 259-7073.