If the thought of the dentist terrifies you – IV Sedation or Nitrous Oxide Sedation may be the answer.
Most people describe it as ‘going to sleep’ – and means you have a safe, comfortable dental experience – with little to no memory of the procedure. Both are available at a reasonable cost in addition to the treatment you will be receiving.
IV Sedation
IV sedation is popular option for patients having teeth extracted, especially with wisdom teeth removal.
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“Basically, it’s just a tiny pinch in the back of the hand and in goes the ‘stuff’. Nothing happens for several seconds and then you begin to feel light-headed (a little drunk) for a few moments, which is not unpleasant. Then instantly several hours have magically passed and everything has been done. It’s like a flick of the switch which turns your brain off for an hour or two. You feel fairly dopey and woozy afterwards where you may want to go and sleep it off.”
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“I had IV Sedation last Friday and remember nothing about what happened. If I had known how well it works I would’ve had it years ago! I felt absolutely fine afterwards, although I’m told I was quite confused! You need someone to accompany you and bring you home afterwards.”
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
More commonly known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide sedation is a safe and predictable sedation technique used in our surgery. We use it for both children and adults to help cope with difficult procedures, for example root canals or extractions. Children describe it as feeling sleepy and warm and fuzzy all over, while most adults get a ‘happy drunk’ feeling.
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“I started feeling warm all over. I seriously could not feel anything. I was already under a nice level buzz from the nitrous oxide and I could feel myself relaxing into the chair. No real loopiness but just a sense of yeah I can get through this. The biggest sensation was my legs felt kind of heavy as if to say maybe I want to stay here a while. Thinking like that I knew the gas was definitely working! I wanted to stay at the dentist! Can you believe that!”
