Sedation Dentistry – Castle Rock, WA
Changing the Way You Visit the Dentist
Because we offer such a wide variety of complex restorative dental care treatments, we understand the effects that dental anxiety can have on a smile. People who experience extreme dental anxiety may go for years without visiting a dentist. Of course, the Cowlitz River Dental team would prefer that you come to see us regularly to avoid advanced oral health problems. That’s why Dr. Kennington proudly offers three different types of sedation dentistry in Castle Rock, WA: nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation. Contact us today to learn if you are eligible to receive sedation during your next visit.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide is commonly used to help patients with mild dental anxiety achieve relaxation during a dental appointment. It is safe for both children and adults and requires no oral medication or needles. By using nitrous oxide, Dr. Kennington can complete essential dental treatment with greater efficiency while the patient remains calm and comfortable throughout their visit.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?
Dr. Kennington will need to meet with you to discuss whether nitrous oxide is possible based on your current medications and medical history. It is necessary to go over these details to ensure there will be no potential complications when administering the gas on the day of your appointment. If you are pregnant, have a respiratory illness, or suffering from sinus congestion, you may not be considered a good candidate for sedation.
However, while talking about your desire to receive nitrous oxide with Dr. Kennington, he will likely recommend it if:
- You struggle with mild or moderate dental anxiety
- You have a strong or sensitive gag reflex
- You have a disability that makes sitting still difficult
- You experience difficulty getting numb with local anesthesia
- You do not like the thought of needles
How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?
Administered via a mask that is worn over the nose, you will be instructed to inhale the mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen. Within minutes, you will begin to feel comfortable, at ease, and fully relaxed. A warm sensation is possible while some report feeling as if they are floating. Nitrous oxide does not fully sedate you; instead, it calms nerves and allows you to remain cognizant enough to respond to cues from Dr. Kennington and his dental team. You can expect that we will closely monitor you throughout your appointment to provide any adjustments as needed.
Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide
One of the great benefits of nitrous oxide is that it quickly dissipates once the gas is turned off. Dr. Kennington may have you stay for a short time just to make sure you do not experience any negative side effects; however, after breathing in pure oxygen for a few minutes, you’ll be free to leave and resume normal activity immediately following your appointment.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral sedation is a moderate form of sedation that may be the right choice for patients who cannot feel truly comfortable when receiving only nitrous oxide. Its ability to induce a more relaxed state allows patients suffering from dental anxiety to receive necessary oral healthcare they might otherwise avoid or neglect. At Cowlitz River Dental, our team is here to make sure you remain safe and comfortable the entire time you’re in the treatment chair, so keep reading to learn more about how oral conscious sedation works.
What is Oral Conscious Sedation?
Oral conscious sedation is generally used on patients who experience moderate to severe dental anxiety. Stronger than nitrous oxide, its effects allow for greater relaxation so that you remain calm during treatment.
It is delivered in the form of a pill that is to be taken before your appointment. Depending on the dentist and your medical history, the medication may be diazepam (Valium) or triazolam (Halcion).
How Does Oral Conscious Sedation Work?
Our team will prescribe anti-anxiety medication and give you detailed instructions on when to take it before your appointment’s scheduled time. Once the effects begin, you should remain awake but feel deeply relaxed and at ease. Dr. Kennington and our team will continue to monitor your breathing throughout your appointment to ensure you remain safe and relaxed.
It’s possible that you might feel a slight tingling sensation throughout your arms and legs. You might also experience some heaviness in your limbs.
You may not even remember any details about the visit once you have returned home and recovered from the sedative effects.
If you plan to undergo oral sedation, you will need a trusted friend or family member to escort you to and from our Castle Rock, WA location. They will need to observe you afterward until the sedative wears off.
Are You a Good Candidate for Oral Conscious Sedation?
This type of sedation may be a good option for patients who need several dental procedures and would like to receive them all in one visit for added convenience. It’s also considered a viable option if you:
- Have moderate dental anxiety
- Have suffered a traumatic dental experience at another dentist’s office
- Have trouble sitting still because of a physical disability
- Have a strong gag reflex
The only way to determine if you are a good candidate for oral conscious sedation is to meet with Dr. Kennington for a consultation. He will go over your medical history and determine if it is safe for you to move forward with this type of sedation in preparation for treatment.
IV Sedation
IV sedation is even more effective than oral sedation and is a good option for patients with moderate to severe dental-related anxiety. Instead of receiving oral medication, the sedative process will not begin until you arrive at the practice and are comfortably seated in the treatment chair. Our team will then insert the IV and start administering medication directly into the bloodstream. Our team will closely monitor you throughout the process, and the dosage can be easily adjusted at any time if needed.
IV sedation allows patients to stay awake throughout treatment while also entering a deep state of relaxation. The effect is strong enough that you may realize that you don’t actually remember anything about the experience following treatment. As with oral sedation, you will need to arrange for an escort following your procedure, as you will not be capable of transporting yourself home.
Am I a Good Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?
It is necessary that any patient interested in sedation dentistry be in good general overall health. Otherwise, if you experience any of the following, your sedation dentist in Castle Rock, WA will be happy to discuss your available options:
- Mild, moderate, or extreme dental anxiety
- Sensitive gag reflex
- Fear of needles
- Past trauma at another dental office
- Multiple or complex dental treatments completed during one visit
- Inability to sit still for extended periods because of a physical disability