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Light Sedation

Stay Relaxed Throughout Your Dental Appointment

Ease Your Anxiety

Your comfort is our priority, which is why our Roanoke dentist, Dr. Z, provides different types of light sedation methods depending on your specific needs. It’s our goal to help relieve dental anxiety so you won’t become reliant on always needing sedation for future procedures.

We currently use two different types of sedation: nitrous oxide gas or an oral sedative. Both options are guaranteed to put you at ease, but will not put you completely to sleep. Before your appointment, Dr. Z will evaluate your needs to determine the best form of sedation.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, or commonly referred to as “laughing gas,” is safe and easy to administer. It is inhaled through the nose and takes effect in about 5 minutes. Advantages include:

  • SAFE FOR ALL AGES
  • COMPLETELY ADMINISTERED IN OFFICE
  • NO LINGERING EFFECTS
  • NO PRESCRIPTIONS
  • CAN DRIVE AFTERWARDS
  • MAKE YOU FEEL RELAXED WITHOUT PUTTING YOU TO SLEEP
  • COST-EFFECTIVE COMPARED TO OTHER SEDATION OPTIONS

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation is a pill taken that is safe and easy to administer. It can be taken at home, in the office, or both before a dental procedure. Advantages include:

  • SAFE FOR ADULTS
  • DEEPER LEVEL OF SEDATION THAN NITROUS WITHOUT PUTTING YOU TO SLEEP
  • REQUIRES PRESCRIPTION ORAL TABLETS
  • ADMINISTERED IN THE OFFICE, AND OFTENTIMES, AT HOME BEFORE YOUR PROCEDURE
  • REQUIRES A DRIVER TO BRING YOU TO YOUR APPOINTMENT, REMAIN IN THE OFFICE DURING THE PROCEDURE, AND DRIVE YOU HOME AFTERWARDS
  • MORE COSTLY COMPARED TO NITROUS GAS

Light Sedation FAQs

sedation dentistry in Roanoke

Still have questions about our types of sedation methods? Get some of the top answers from our dentistry team.

Will Sedation “Put Me Under?”

No. Nitrous Oxide and oral sedation are designed to help relieve anxiety, but you will be conscious and awake during the procedure.

Who is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide Gas?

Nitrous oxide is a good option for patients with dental anxiety that are having a check-up or procedure done. You will be able to drive home and return to work immediately. It’s safe for patients of all ages, including children. It’s also safe for patients with chronic diseases and patients that are on medications.

How Long Does Nitrous Oxide Last?

Nitrous oxide usually will wear off in about 5 minutes after the medication. You don’t need to have someone drive you home after your appointment. You can drive immediately after the gas has worn off.

When Should I Use Oral Sedation?

Sedation is commonly used for patients who experience dental anxiety or when a patient is having a major procedure. Our goal with patient sedation is to help relieve dental anxiety so you won’t need sedation for future procedures.

Who is a Good Candidate for Oral Sedation?

Oral sedation works well for patients who have a mild gag reflex. We don’t offer oral sedation for children, so kids who need a sedative are recommended to only get nitrous oxide. Oral sedation isn’t right for everyone, so Dr. Smith will evaluate your health to decide what is best for you.

Will I Need to Have Someone Drive Me?

Depending on what you’re given. Nitrous oxide wears off about 5 minutes after medication so you don’t need to have someone drive you home after your appointment.

Oral sedatives, however, have more prolonged effects. If you take an oral sedative, be sure to bring someone who can drive you to your appointment, stay on the office premises for the duration of the treatment, and drive you home.

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