Sedation Dentistry
Oregon City, OR
 Taking proper care of your mouth is essential for maintaining optimal oral health. Brushing and flossing at home are only a part of this maintenance. Dental cleanings and exams are also necessary. However, many people ignore these visits. When issues arise, many people tend to ignore the symptoms, fearing the dental treatments required. At Beavercreek Dental, we understand that dental procedures can be scary. We offer dental sedation to help you relax, so you can get the treatment necessary to restore the health of your mouth.
Why Use Sedation?Feeling scared or anxious can lead you to avoid necessary dental treatment. Even skipping out on routine cleanings and exams can have detrimental effects on your oral health. These basic exams allow us to help keep your teeth clean and healthy and address trouble spots before they progress. Most dental issues will not resolve on their own. Instead, they will only grow worse, eventually leading to serious infections, tooth loss and other health consequences (such as heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetes). Sedation is a technique used to help you remain calm and comfortable during your necessary dental procedures. Sedation can also prove useful if:
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You have trouble sitting still for long periods of time.
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You have a bad gag reflex.
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Your teeth are extremely sensitive, or you have a very low pain threshold.
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Your procedure is complex, or you need to have much work done. |
Laughing gasLaughing gas, is the lightest form of sedation that we offer. With this type of sedation, you are conscious, but can still respond to questions or requests. There is no prior preparation required. When you arrive at your appointment, a small mask is placed over your nose. A mixture of laughing gas and oxygen begins to flow, and it will take effect within just a few minutes. When your procedure is finished, the laughing gas is shut off, leaving just the oxygen to flow for a few minutes, ensuring that the effects are completely gone. Laughing gas wears off quickly, and you can even drive yourself home. Some patients may feel slight nausea with laughing gas, but this can usually be combatted with a light meal before your procedure.
Oral SedationOral sedation is a type of moderate sedation. It involves the use of medication taken by mouth approximately one hour before your procedure. The sedative will usually take effect within 30 minutes, but this time varies from patient to patient. For this reason, it is important that you have someone drive you to your appointment. You will also need to be driven home, as the effects of oral sedation can linger for several hours. Once it takes effect, you will feel drowsy, but you will still be awake. Many patients experience temporary amnesia, where they cannot remember parts, or any, of their procedure.
IV SedationIV sedation, much like oral sedation, is a type of moderate sedation. Unlike oral sedation, however, IV sedation is delivered directly into your bloodstream through the use of a needle. When you arrive at your appointment, the needle will be inserted into the back of your hand or your arm. When we are ready to begin, the IV fluids will flow, and the medication is administered. The effects of IV sedation are similar to that of oral sedation. Moreover, you will need someone to drive you home, as the effects of IV sedation can last for several hours following your procedure.
If fear or anxiety is keeping you from getting the treatment you need, whether it’s a cleaning, a root canal, or anything else, sedation can help. Call Beavercreek Dental today at (503) 343-9262 to learn more!
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