Sedation Dentistry

The most important person in our office is the patient. We use nitrous oxide and oral sedation in our office every day and use IV sedation two days a week, every week. Using these safe sedation techniques, we have successfully treated thousands of fearful, anxious patients.
Many of our patients have complicated cases which require the skill and expertise of each doctor in our practice. Our dedicated team will assist you with all of your dental needs in conjunction with your cosmetic and implant treatment.

Sedation Dentistry Options In Wayne, PA

At Great Valley Dental Associates, we offer two different options for your sedation: oral conscious sedation and IV sedation. Before we proceed, we’ll need to discuss your medical history and any exceptions that may preclude certain forms of sedation. Together we can then decide what sedation option is best for you. In addition to helping you overcome your fear and anxiety, another advantage of sedation dentistry is that it allows us to perform several treatments in a single visit. In most cases, you’ll remember little if anything about the time spent; it will feel like you were in the office for only a few minutes. To add to your comfort, we also provide blankets, pillows, and an iPod with various available music choices.

Am I A Candidate For Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation can help a patient deal with strong feelings of fear and anxiety that accompany a visit to the dentist. If you have these characteristics, sedation dentistry at Great Valley Dental Associates could change how you view your appointment. Sedation could be an excellent option if you have:

• Difficulty overcoming anxiety about the dentist
• A low pain threshold
• Very sensitive teeth
• A very strong gag reflex
• A large amount of work that needs to be done

These sedation options are not pain medication. Once sedated, we properly numb, or anesthetize, the area we are working on, making your procedure pain free.

What Is Oral Conscious Sedation?

With oral sedation, a pill, usually Halcion or something similar, is given about 30 minutes to an hour before the start of your procedure. This will make you drowsy, but you’re still awake and you can still respond to certain directions from the doctor. If you prefer moderate sedation, we can simply increase the dosage.

How Long Does Oral Sedation Last?

For most patients, the effects of oral sedation last from two to four hours after their appointment. You need a ride to and from your appointment, plus shouldn’t drive for an additional 12 hours.

Oral Sedation Risks

Oral sedation also has an amnestic effect. While technically a side effect, most patients love this benefit because they have no recollection of their dental visit. Oral medications can also cause dry mouth, headaches, dizziness, and occasional nausea, but these all pass quickly.

What Is IV Sedation?

This type of sedation is delivered intravenously and works instantly. An advantage to IV sedation is that we can adjust the levels continually.

How Long Does IV Sedation Last?

For some patients, IV sedation wears off almost immediately after the administration is stopped. For others, they can feel its effects for a few hours after their appointment is over. Patients shouldn’t drive or operate machinery for 24 hours afterwards.

IV Sedation Risks

The biggest risk with IV sedation is over-sedation. Reaching too deep a level of sedation can be dangerous for medically compromised patients. Over-sedation can also lead to respiratory depression. Continual monitoring of the patient’s vital signs mitigates these risks.

Schedule A Consultation

Don’t be left behind. Great Valley Dental Associates in Wayne, PA can help you. If you have been putting off a healthy, beautiful smile contact our dental office today.

CALL US: (610) 701-0102 REQUEST APPOINTMENT