Sedation Dentist – Aurora, IL

Who Is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?

If you struggle with any of the following, there is a high probability that you will be cleared to receive nitrous oxide:

• You have a sensitive gag reflex
• You are afraid to visit the dentist’s office and tend to cancel or reschedule your appointment
• You suffer from a disability that makes it hard to sit for prolonged periods
• You have trouble with other forms of sedation
• You had a past traumatic dental experience at another dentist’s office
• You are fearful of needles

Nitrous oxide can be a great way to alleviate the anxiety that is holding you back from pursuing regular oral healthcare; however, our team will first need to conduct a consultation. Not only will we discuss your concerns, but we’ll also inquire about your overall health to ensure that this method of sedation will be most effective.

How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?

Nitrous oxide sedation is administered when you sit down in the treatment room. We’ll place a small nose mask on your face, which will allow you to breathe in the colorless, odorless nitrous oxide gas, frequently called “laughing gas.” Within a few minutes, you’ll begin to feel the effects wash over you, causing you to feel a wave of euphoria.

You may even feel some warmth as you become increasingly relaxed. A member of our team will be there to monitor you and adjust the nitrous oxide level if necessary.

Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide

After the procedure, we will remove the mask and have you breathe in regular oxygen for several minutes. During this time, the gas will be turned off, and you should begin to quickly feel like your normal self. It’s unlikely that you’ll experience any ill side effects following nitrous oxide sedation, so you will be free to drive yourself home or back to work.

If it is your child who is receiving nitrous oxide, they should be able to return to school following their appointment.

What is Oral Conscious Sedation?

Oral conscious sedation is a form of treatment that requires you to take a pill (i.e., Valium, Ativan, or Halcion) to experience its calming and relaxing effects. It’s recommended for those who struggle with the idea of visiting the dentist’s office as well as those who:

• Have a sensitive gag reflex
• Have difficulty sitting still for long periods of time
• Experience nervousness and anxiety
• Have trouble with other forms of sedation

Those who choose oral conscious sedation appreciate that it requires no mask or needles.

How Does Oral Conscious Sedation Work?

When preparing to undergo dental treatment, your dentist at Grand Dental – Aurora will instruct you to take the medicine at a designated time before your appointment (usually an hour). By the time you reach our dental office, you will feel much more relaxed.

Our team will begin completing the necessary dental treatment and closely monitor you to ensure your safety. You may doze off, but we will be able to easily awaken you should we need you to respond to a dental cue.

Once we are finished, you will unlikely remember much from your appointment because of the medication. Its effects can also require ample time to wear off, so you’ll need to have someone take you home from your appointment (usually the same person who brought you.

It is suggested that you rest for the remainder of the day.

Are You a Good Candidate for Oral Conscious Sedation?

Our sedation dentists in Aurora are here to ensure your safety and comfort before beginning any treatment, which is why we will go over your medical history beforehand. During our discussion, we will determine if oral conscious sedation is right for you.

In most cases, individuals who are considered good candidates:

• Experience moderate dental anxiety or fear
• Reschedule or cancel their appointments because of nervousness
• Have sensitive or strong gag reflexes
• Struggle to sit still in the dentist’s chair or keep their mouth open
• Have had bad dental experiences
• Are preparing to receive multiple treatments in a single appointment

What is IV Sedation?

Unlike oral conscious sedation, which uses pill medication, or nitrous oxide, which is inhaled through a mask, IV sedation is administered directly into the bloodstream so that the effects occur quickly. Also referred to as “twilight” sedation, it allows patients to remain conscious while also producing a feeling of unconsciousness. This prevents them from remembering much about the appointment – a unique benefit that fearful patients appreciate.

IV sedation puts patients into a deep state of relaxation so that their senses are dulled throughout their appointment. Members of our dental team will closely monitor their vitals throughout the procedure to ensure they remain safe and comfortable.

The effects of IV sedation can take time to wear off, so patients are encouraged to have someone drive them home so that they may rest for the remainder of the day.

Who is a Good Candidate for IV Sedation?

IV sedation is generally recommended for individuals who require intensive or prolonged treatments or who have extreme dental phobia. It can also be used on those who have a hard time getting numb or who have a sensitive or strong gag reflex and struggle to undergo even the simplest form of dental work.

A member of our team will go over the patient’s medical history to make sure they do not have any potential allergies to the medication that will be used.

The Benefits of IV Sedation

It is natural for patients to be uncertain about receiving IV sedation, but the benefits that can come from it include:

• A deep state of relaxation occurs so that the individual does not experience additional dental trauma that might otherwise prevent them from seeking future oral healthcare.
• Effects that occur quickly because it is administered directly into the bloodstream.
• A dentist and team members control the dosage and flow of medication so that the individual remains comfortable throughout treatment.
• Improved oral health, as patients can pursue regular dental care with greater assurance.