Are you scared of the dentist, or have anxiety when visiting a dental setting? Sedation dentistry can help. We use safe, gentle medications to help you relax during treatment. You’ll stay comfortable while we take care of your smile without stress.
The dental services we provide can include sedation options to ensure you feel comfortable during treatment. Dental sedation is a valuable tool that can make dental visits more comfortable and less stressful. Dr. Conor Campbell is certified to administer IV sedation.
If dental visits make you nervous, or if you’re having oral surgery, we’ve got you covered. At Oral Facial Surgery of Delaware, we use safe relaxation options like laughing gas (nitrous oxide), calming pills (oral sedation), or IV sedation for deeper procedures. Our team will help you choose the best option so you can get treatment comfortably and without fear.
Dental Sedation at Oral Facial Surgery of Delaware
Sedation makes oral surgery much easier by keeping you comfortable and relaxed. When you’re at ease, your dentist can work more efficiently – which often means getting you in and out faster. Plus, since you’ll be calm and still during the procedure, everything tends to go smoother for both you and your dental team.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation is one of the easiest and most popular ways to ease dental anxiety. Before your appointment, we’ll prescribe a small pill for you to take at home about an hour before your visit. Since the medication will make you drowsy, you’ll need a friend or family member to drive you to and from our office. Some of the benefits of this option include:
- No Needles Required: Unlike IV sedation, there are no injections involved. Just a simple pill to take.
- Easy to Adjust: Your dentist can tailor the dosage based on your needs and medical history.
- Faster Recovery: You’ll bounce back quicker than with deeper sedation options.
- Comfortable and Safe: You remain conscious but free of anxiety, making it easier for both you and your dentist.
Once the medication kicks in, you’ll feel deeply relaxed but still awake enough to respond to simple instructions. Many patients describe the sensation like being in a pleasant state; aware of what’s happening but completely unconcerned about it. You might forget all the details afterward, which is actually a bonus for nervous patients.
This method is ideal for patients who:
- Have mild to moderate dental anxiety
- Need longer procedures but want to avoid IVs
- Prefer taking medication orally rather than through inhalation or injection
Oral sedation is a great middle-ground option for those who want more relaxation than nitrous oxide but aren’t ready for IV sedation. If you’ve been avoiding the dentist because of nerves, this could be your solution.
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Nitrous oxide is one of the safest and most effective forms of dental sedation available today. During your procedure, you’ll breathe in a carefully controlled mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen through a comfortable mask over your nose. Within just a few minutes, you’ll start feeling pleasantly relaxed while still remaining fully conscious and able to communicate with your dental team.
This mild sedative is perfect for:
- Patients with mild dental anxiety
- Those who want to remain awake but relaxed
- Patients who need to drive themselves home after treatment
- Children who may be nervous about dental visits
What makes nitrous oxide so popular is how easily we can customize your experience. If you need a little more relaxation, we can increase the flow. If you’re feeling perfectly comfortable, we can reduce it. This level of control means you get exactly the right amount of sedation for your needs.
The benefits of choosing nitrous oxide include:
- Instant Relaxation: You’ll feel the calming effects within 2-3 minutes of breathing it in.
- Complete Control: Your dentist can fine-tune the sedation level throughout your procedure.
- Quick Recovery: The effects fade within minutes after we switch to pure oxygen. You can resume normal activities right away.
- No Needles: There are no injections required.
- Safe for Most Patients: It has few side effects and is well-tolerated by nearly everyone.
While under sedation, you’ll remain awake and able to respond to questions. Some patients describe feeling like they’re in a pleasant daydream. Many are surprised at how quickly the time passes.
One of the biggest advantages of nitrous oxide is how quickly it leaves your system. You’ll be alert and oriented after we remove the mask and give you pure oxygen for a few minutes. You can walk out of the office on your own, drive yourself home, and return to work or school the same day.
IV Sedation
IV sedation offers the deepest level of conscious sedation available in dentistry. It’s for patients who need significant relaxation or are undergoing surgical procedures. The medication is delivered directly into your bloodstream through a small intravenous line. This approach allows for precise control over your comfort level throughout the entire procedure.
This method is particularly helpful for:
- Patients with severe dental phobia
- Those undergoing wisdom tooth extractions or oral surgery
- Individuals with strong gag reflexes
- Patients who have had traumatic dental experiences
- Patients needing multiple procedures in one visit
Before beginning, your dentist or anesthesiologist will insert a thin IV catheter into your arm or hand. Then they administer medications that induce deep relaxation. We will continuously monitor your vital signs like heart rate, oxygen levels, blood pressure throughout the procedure.
You’ll remain conscious enough to breathe on your own and respond to basic commands. Most patients describe the experience as a pleasant “twilight sleep” where they’re aware but unconcerned.
Some of the benefits of IV sedation include:
- Instant Relaxation: Medications take effect within seconds, so you don’t have to wait for pills to digest or gases to inhale. It’s best for patients who want immediate relief from anxiety.
- Precise Control: Your dental team can increase sedation if you become uncomfortable. They can also decrease levels as needed, or extend sedation for longer procedures.
- Comfortable Experience: Most patients remember little to nothing about their treatment. Time seems to pass extremely quickly. You won’t be aware of dental sounds or sensations.
- Safe Monitoring: Our team of experts will watch over you the whole time to make sure you stay safe. Your safety is our top priority. We carefully monitor your heart rate and breathing during the procedure, and we have medications ready to reverse the sedation if needed.
IV sedation helps you relax completely, but you’ll need extra time to recover afterward. You can’t drive yourself home, so arrange for a responsible adult to take you. Once you get home, take it easy and relax for the rest of the day. Also, skip machines and big decisions. No driving, operating equipment, or signing important papers for 24 hours.
Schedule a Dental Exam Today
Are you ready to improve your oral health without stress? Visit Dr. Conor Campbell for a friendly and caring dental experience. We offer dental sedation in Wilmington, DE, so all our patients can get the care they need without anxiety. Give us a call at 302-335-6123 or request an appointment online anytime.