Sedation Dentistry

At Maplewood Dental Associates, we strive to provide our patients in Maplewood and St. Paul, MN, with the highest standard of dental treatment. We also understand that some or all denture procedures can cause significant stress for some patients. Therefore, we offer sedation dentistry as an option for anyone with anxiety or nervousness regarding dental procedures. We can administer sedation before any procedure, from dental cleanings to dental implants.

Schedule an appointment to receive excellent dental care for your needs today.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry helps anxious patients feel calm, relaxed, and comfortable during dental procedures. It leverages a moderate level of sedation so patients remain awake but feel carefree. People of all ages can benefit, including children. If you experience any of the following, you may want to consider sedation:

- Sensitive gag reflex
- Dental anxiety
- Fear of needles
- Extreme tooth sensitivity
- Fear of the dental office
- Decreased sensitivity to local anesthetic
- Claustrophobic while in the dental chair
- Difficulty sitting still
- Concern about pain
- Nausea from the smell of sterilization

Maplewood Dental Associates offers two types of sedation dentistry: oral sedation and nitrous oxide.

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation is a popular method, thanks to its simplicity, safety, and noninvasive nature. Patients receiving oral sedation swallow a pill or place a dissolvable tablet on their tongues. The sedation takes effect within minutes.

Although you remain conscious during the procedure, you will feel more comfortable and relaxed. Oral sedatives can make you dizzy, and some patients fall asleep during their procedure. Further, you will likely remember next to nothing about it afterward.

Dental Nitrous Oxide

Inhalation conscious sedation involves administering nitrous oxide, or "laughing gas." Patients inhale the sedative used for nearly 100 years through a nasal hood resembling a small cup. Its calming effects begin within three to five minutes.

Nitrous oxide produces a light-headed feeling without disrupting normal bodily functions, whether administered by itself or combined with an oral anti-anxiety medication. Once the procedure ends, dentists provide pure oxygen to flush the sedative from your system, allowing you to recover quickly without a "hangover" effect.

Advantages of Sedation Dentistry

The most prominent benefit of sedation dentistry is its ability to relieve patients of their fears and anxieties. Sedatives calm nerves and help you relax during dental procedures. Further, dentists often work more efficiently when patients receive sedatives, resulting in fewer appointments.

Sedation Dentistry St. Paul

If you believe that sedation dentistry might benefit you, contact our caring team at Maplewood Dental Associates. We assist patients throughout the twin cities area with their dental needs. Don’t let anxiety prevent you from receiving the dental treatment you need and deserve - Instead, let us help you relax through sedation dentistry.

Request an appointment today to get started! We will craft an individual treatment plan that suits your needs, concerns, and dental goals. We look forward to helping you unlock the full potential of your smile!

Sedation Dentistry FAQs

Will sedation also relieve pain?

Sedation aims to relieve anxiety and help a patient relax. Anesthesia relieves pain. Sedation and anesthesia combined provide patients with a relaxing and pain-free dental appointment.

Is sedation dentistry safe?

Sedation dentistry is completely safe so long as it's performed by a trained and licensed medical professional. As your trusted Maplewood, MN, dentist, your safety is our number one priority, and we will monitor you closely throughout your procedure.

What types of sedation do you use?

We use two different types of sedation:

- Inhalation conscious sedation uses nitrous gas that creates a sense of euphoria when inhaled through the nose. Patients know and understand their surroundings when under nitrous gas.
- Oral sedation uses a pill that you take orally and works in minutes.

How long does sedation dentistry last?

The time frame usually ranges between one and six hours, depending on your procedure. The Maplewood Dental Associates team provides you with the appropriate amount of sedation needed for your treatment.

Will I remember anything about my treatment?

Those that receive oral sedation rarely remember their treatment, and may fall asleep. If you receive inhalation conscious sedation, you might remember fragments.

Are there side effects related to sedation?

You may experience some minor side effects, including:

- A dry mouth during or after the procedure
- A brief period of amnesia upon waking up
- Headache or nausea
- Grogginess (the most common symptom)

What should I do after sedation?

We ask that you have someone drive you home from the appointment. We advise that you do not operate a vehicle or any other piece of potentially dangerous equipment for at least 24 hours afterward. Rest at home for a few hours with someone looking after you.

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