Oral or Inhaled Sedation?

Prior to an oral surgery procedure, or if a patient receiving treatment suffers from dental anxiety, the doctor may recommend a sedative. Dental sedation helps patients enter a calm and relaxed state. We offer multiple options for calming a patient. Do you need oral or inhaled sedation?

Nitrous Oxide

Also known as laughing gas or inhaled sedation, this is administered through a mask worn over the nose. The patient breathes this in to become relaxed. We may recommend this for a wide variety of treatment options, from minor to extensive procedures. The effects tend to wear off quickly, in fact, you may be able to return to work or school and even drive yourself.

Oral Sedation

In some cases a patient may have a more severe case of dental anxiety. If so, even minor procedures can be a scary prospect. To help these patients become calm we may suggest oral sedation. A pill will be taken prior to the procedure. The patient enters a much deeper level of calm. The effects take longer to wear off, so you may need to arrange for a friend or member of the family to drive you back home. To prepare the doctor may suggest eating a very light supper and avoiding food or drink in the six to eight hours before the procedure.

Which Option Works for You?

That depends on the level of anxiety you experience the type of procedure being performed. The periodontist will sit down with you to discuss your situation and decide which option works best. We are happy to address any questions or concerns you may have. Don’t hesitate to contact our office today to schedule an appointment and discuss your options.

ABOUT YOUR SAN DIEGO, CA, LASER PERIODONTIST:

As a board-certified periodontist, Dr. Ann M. Kania is specially qualified to diagnose and treat issues concerning periodontal tissue and the supportive structures of a patient’s smile, as well as place dental implants to restore teeth lost to dental disease or trauma. Dr. Kania also offers the Pinhole® Surgical Technique (PST) for minimally-invasive, scalpel-free gum grafting. To seek Dr. Kania’s expertise, contact her office today at (760) 642-0711.