Imagine undergoing a complex dental treatment and having no recollection of the time it took, the pain, the noise, or the discomfort you were expecting. We are pleased to offer our patients the option of comfortable, safe, and effective sedation dentistry. Patients who benefit from sedation dentistry have:

• A fear or anxiety of being at the dentist
• A hard time sitting still for long periods of time
• A hard time getting (and staying) numb from anesthetics
• A sensitive gag reflex

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry allows your doctor to provide a variety of dental treatments safely and comfortably for patients who experience anxiety when visiting the dentist. There are several benefits to sedation dentistry, including:

• No memory of undergoing the procedure
• No sense of time while under sedation
• No sense of smell or sound
• No fear or anxiety during treatment

Patients who have undergone a procedure using sedation dentistry will tell you it is a simple, relaxing way to experience dentistry.

I am nervous about being unconscious. What levels of sedation are available to me?

There is no need to be nervous about having sedation dentistry at our practice. Dr. Homitz is certified to administer mild sedation, and you will be monitored closely throughout the entire procedure.

Sedation dentistry is closely regulated by law, and there are three sedative states at which your dentist can administer your treatment: mild sedation, moderate sedation, and deep sedation.

• 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. You remain awake or very sleepy throughout the entire procedure and are able to breathe on your own, but you will feel a great sense of relaxation. Patients typically recover from anxiolysis sedation within a few hours after the procedure is complete. It is recommended that patients receiving sedation have a parent, spouse, or friend accompany them to the appointment, as it can take several hours for the sedative to wear off and driving may be unsafe.

How are sedatives administered?

• Oral — An extremely common technique for dental sedation is oral sedation. It is easy and does not require the use of needles. Usually you will be given a prescription pill which, taken about an hour before your appointment, will have you fully relaxed by the time you arrive at our office.

If you find yourself avoiding dental care, sedation dentistry allows you to undergo procedures feeling relaxed and calm. Please contact our practice to schedule a consultation, learn more about sedation dentistry, and find out if this method may be right for you.