How Does Sedation Dentistry Work?

Sedation dentistry refers to the use of safe medications to help patients feel relaxed and calm during procedures. Sedation dentistry can help patients with dental anxiety or a lengthy procedure.

We combine dental sedation with local anesthesia, giving you as much comfort as possible during your procedure. The sedative's effects may make you feel like your appointment has gone by quickly and without the worry that sometimes accompanies dental work.

Types of Dental Sedation We Offer

At Queen's Crown Dental, we offer two types of sedation to meet your needs:

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, also called "laughing gas," is an inhaled sedative appropriate for children and adults. The dentist places a small mask covering your nose, through which a colorless, odorless gas flows.

Nitrous oxide works by replacing some of the oxygen entering your lungs. This gas causes mild oxygen deprivation, bringing you a feeling of relaxation and euphoria. 

The major advantage of nitrous oxide is that the effects wear off quickly once you stop breathing in the gas. Within about five minutes, you will feel fine and be able to drive home from your appointment. You can resume your daily activities, returning to work or school.

Conscious Oral Sedation

Conscious oral sedation uses a liquid or pill of anti-anxiety medication to help you feel relaxed. The exact type of medication varies depending on your needs.

About an hour before your appointment, you will take the medication, allowing it to reach full effectiveness when you arrive. You will need an adult driver for your appointment, and you will need to relax at home for the rest of the day. Do not drive until the following day.

Sedation Dentistry Safety

Sedation dentistry is safe when provided by an experienced dentist. Depending on the level of sedation you receive, your dentist will monitor you appropriately.

If you have any concerns about the safety of sedation dentistry due to health conditions, call us or speak to your primary healthcare provider before your appointment.

Why Sedation Dentistry?

Having the option of sedation dentistry means that many patients who felt too anxious to have dental work done in the past can confidently visit the office. 

Dentists can work more quickly on patients under sedation, meaning that you will need to make fewer trips to the office. You can also sit through longer procedures while feeling relaxed from sedation.

Putting off dental work due to anxiety makes it more costly and complex in the future. Sedation dentistry can save you time and money and improve your oral health.

Call Queen's Crown Dental

If you feel nervous about dental work, sedation dentistry can help you relax and complete your procedure worry-free. Please call our Honolulu, HI, office at  808-526-2800  to ask about our sedation options and make an appointment. We can show you how to get the dental care you need while remaining comfortable.