Types of Sedation Dentistry (Oral Conscious Sedation, Nitrous)

At Advanced Smile Designs in Santa Cruz, patient comfort is very important to our dental team. Terry W. Forsberg, DDS, ensures the comfort of each and every patient by offering sedation dentistry as an option during cosmetic dentistry procedures and treatments. Our goal is to provide exceptional care and distinctive dentistry to everyone we work with and part of that goal includes a strong effort to provide options to patients who have reservations about having dental work performed on them.

To further this goal, we offer two types of sedation dentistry, nitrous oxide inhalation sedation and oral conscious sedation with Triazolam or Lorazepam.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation

Nitrous oxide, titrated with oxygen, is used to provide inhalation sedation, which is a method of managing anxiety during dental procedures. Nitrous oxide is one of the oldest, safest and most widely used forms of sedation in the field of dentistry. All of your bodily functions remain normal, but you are more relaxed and comfortable.

The benefit of nitrous oxide sedation is that it can be stopped and started quickly. It takes effect almost immediately, and wears off very quickly as well, allowing you to drive yourself to and from your dental appointment.

Triazolam Sedation

Triazolam and sometimes Lorazepam are wonderful choices for oral conscious sedation. During this type of sedation, your level of consciousness is slightly reduced, but you retain your ability to breathe on your own and respond to verbal and physical stimulation. All of your bodily functions remain normal, you feel as if you sleep through you dental visit and usually are unable to remember much of the events that took place during your procedure. Triazolam is easy to administer, easy to reverse if necessary, and it is convenient and safe. Through conscious sedation, Dr. Forsberg is able to maintain his patient's comfort while still being able to communicate with them throughout their procedure. We monitor your pulse, blood pressure, and oxygen levels continually throughout the procedure with a pulse-oximeter.

Some disadvantages of oral conscious sedation include:

• A pre-sedation consult is required.
• A friend or family member MUST drive you TO AND FROM your appointment, AND remain with you for the rest of that day and evening.

Some of the advantages of using Triazolam include:

• You may resume normal functions and activities the next day
• Gag reflex is reduced
• Relaxes muscles
• Amnesia of dental appointment
• Adverse reactions are rare and very mild
• A lot of cosmetic dentistry, if needed, can be completed in fewer,
  longer sedation visits

Most dentists and their patients prefer nitrous oxide or oral conscious sedation, over general anesthesia, during procedures and treatments. This holds true for Dr. Forsberg and his dental team. Communication is paramount for successful dental work and satisfied patients.

Sedation Dentistry Questions

To learn more about sedation dentistry in Santa Cruz County, California, please contact Terry W. Forsberg, DDS, at Advanced Smile Designs today.