If you are told that a specific oral treatment procedure is necessary and are concerned about discomfort or the time you will have to spend in a chair while this procedure is performed, please share your oral health concerns with our family dentist, Dr. Hamrick, and our staff at your next appointment. Our number one goal is to make sure that you understand what you can expect from any procedure and that you feel comfortable asking relevant questions concerning dental sedation, such as what dose you will be receiving and what dose is recommended by the FDA, the qualifications of our staff, and what risks are involved in receiving dental sedation.

There are several different types of dental sedation of different strengths and different types of administration. One of the most frequently used types of dental sedation is nitrous oxide, which is administered as a gas. In addition to being very safe and highly effective, there are also very few side effects associated with nitrous oxide. Also, the effects of this sedative wear off much faster than other dental sedation options.

Oral sedation is also commonly used, primarily for patients who struggle with dental phobia or who might struggle with sitting still in a chair for extended periods of time. Oral sedation is usually taken one or two hours before a procedure is scheduled to be performed and will put the individual in a more relaxed state. Unlike nitrous oxide, which can cause feelings of dizziness or disorientation, oral sedation is more likely to cause feelings of grogginess or lightheadedness.

IV (intravenous) or IM (intramuscular) sedation is reserved for procedures that are more invasive, or for patients who have extreme dental phobia. IV or IM sedation provides almost immediate results and will put you in such a relaxed and sedated state that you will likely not remember anything about the procedure that is being performed. Once the procedure is completed and the sedation is no longer being administered, it will take some time for you to return to normal consciousness. Because this level of sedation places you in such an altered state, it will be necessary to arrange for a friend, family member, or Uber/taxi to drive you home following your procedure.