Yuma Sedation Dentistry

Are you afraid of the dentist? You are not alone. As a matter of fact, it is estimated that 145 million Americans are afraid of the dentist. We feel that going to the dentist can be a positive experience, and we are here to listen to your concerns and help you deal with your fear.

As a member of the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation, we offer many types of sedation dentistry techniques.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is used to relax a patient for a dental appointment through the use of sedatives. There are varying degrees of conscious sedation that are typically based on your level of anxiousness. The medication will induce you into a relaxed, sleep-like state where you will not remember anything that took place during the procedure. Your vitals will be closely monitored by one of our trained staff members throughout the appointment. It is important to note that with sedation dentistry techniques you are are still conscious. Your protective reflexes, like coughing, are fully functional which allows these techniques to be safely administered in an office environment.

Sedation Dentistry Techniques

Sedation dentistry techniques range from minimal, moderate, to deep sedation. We have helped many patients work though their dental anxiety and we will help you to determine a treatment option that you are fully comfortable with.

For individuals with mild cases of dental anxiety, nitrous oxide is a possibility. This relaxant gas is breathed in through the nose by wearing a mask. You can communicate with the dentist throughout the appointment, requesting more or less concentration based on your level of relaxation. Nitrous oxide gas has no lasting effects. Once it is stopped, you will be able to get up, drive home, and go about your day. To learn more about this technique, please visit the nitrous oxide page.

If you have had a traumatizing dental experience, we may recommend a stronger sedation method. We genuinely understand your fear and have helped many patients with dental phobia.

Oral sedation is a safe and effective method. We prescribe the medication Triazolam which is to be taken before your dental appointment. This pill induces a sleepy and relaxed state that makes you indifferent to what is going on around you. You will actually experience what has been compared to amnesia, remembering very little of your visit. Driving will be unsafe, so you will need to have someone else drive you home from the appointment.

Another form of deep sedation we offer is IV sedation. This method is performed by an oral surgeon, right here in our office. If you decide this technique is right for you, it will be administered intravenously. You will be conscious but will have no memory of the treatment. Rest assured, we always have a certified staff member that monitors your vitals and pays close attention to how you are doing the entire time.

If you have any questions about sedation techniques or would like to come into the office for a free, 15-minute consultation with one of our helpful staff, give us a call at 928-782-3839.