Mild Sedation: Anxiolysis is the lightest form of sedation dentistry and is often used for patients with mild anxiety, longer procedures, or more complex situations. Mild sedation is usually administered orally. Dr. Hayes will prescribe a mild sleeping prescription for you to take the night before your visit so you do not experience anxiety prior to the next day’s appointment. You will take an additional prescription one hour before your dental appointment to help you remain calm and relaxed. Since this level of sedation will take time to wear off, you will need to have a responsible person bring you to your appointment and be on-site during the entire procedure.
Moderate Sedation: Used for patients with moderate dental anxiety and for patients who need longer or more complex procedures, conscious sedation often refers to the use of light IV sedation. With conscious sedation, you will remain awake throughout your procedure, but will be in a deep state of relaxation. Since this level of sedation will also take several hours to completely wear off, you will need to have a responsible person bring you to your appointment and be on-site during the entire procedure.
Being sedated while you have dental work completed brings with it many benefits. Your anxiety will be relieved, you will be less aware or totally unaware of the procedure being carried out and your fear will be a thing of the past.
If the thought of dental treatment fills you with dread, then sedation dentistry is well worth considering. Whether you have a phobia or something less, by allowing your dentist to sedate you, dental treatment can be carried out quickly and efficiently. Talk to your dentist about sedation dentistry if you have problems with any of the following:
If you qualify as a patient who experiences anxiety, our team can help you determine an appropriate course of sedation dentistry that meets your
needs.
