Sedation dentistry can be an effective way for both children and adults to overcome their anxiety over receiving dental treatment. Ask your dentist about the different methods available and which will suit your/your childs needs.

Nitrous "Laughing Gas"

Also known as Inhalation Conscious Sedation or Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen Sedation. This is the most frequently used sedation method for dentistry. All bodily functions remain normal and the person is able to breathe on their own. The patient may fall asleep and experience some degree on amnesia about what happened during their dental appointment. At Healthy Smile Dental Care we have years of experience successfully using Laughing Gas to help our patients overcome their anxiety about receiving dental treatment.

Conscious Sedation

Most very young children are unable to sit still and cooperate for dental treatment. We have determined that it would be better to sedate your child with a mild sedative (called hydroxyzine) to lessen that chance that he/she will remember the dental visit as a bad event. From past experience, children who have been mildly sedated are usually more comfortable, able to cooperate more fully, and return for future check-ups less fearful of the office or the dentist. Conscious sedation or oral sedation is administered by pill or liquid. All body functions remain normal and the person is able to breathe on their own. The patient may fall asleep. Some degree of amnesia is common. The disadvantage with this method of sedation is that the level of sedation for each person is not predictable.

IV Sedation

IV Sedation is usually used by Oral Surgeons and dentists with specialized training and special certification. With this type of sedation, medications are administered direction into the blood stream. The greatest advantage of IV Sedation is that if someone is not sedated enough, the doctor can administer more medication and the effects are instantaneous. IV Sedation is not used commonly in most dental offices because of the specialized advanced training required and the requirements for certification by the State Board of Dentistry. The drugs used for IV Sedation are more effective than the same drugs taken orally. In our office, we work with a professionally licensed anesthesiologist who is dedicated to administering the medication and monitoring the patient while the dentist performs the necessary dental procedures.

Handicapped or Disabled Persons

Healthy Smile is proud to offer assistance to patients with specials needs. Our facility is ADA compliant and we are able to work around most difficulties to make sure you receive the dental care you need. Please let the receptionist know of any special needs you may have when you reserve your appointment so we can make sure your visit goes as smoothly as possible.