Sedation Options
Many patients are treated at 6 Day Dental & Orthodontics with just a small shot to numb the area being worked on. However, some patients have special needs, possibly because of a previous bad experience at the dentist, or extensive treatment is needed. Therefore, we offer these sedation options, depending on your level of dental anxiety or fear, or the extensiveness of the treatment that is needed.
- Nitrous Oxide – This relaxing gas is breathed in and helps you to relax during treatment. It is very safe and leaves your system within five minutes of turning it off at the end of the appointment. You don’t need anyone to drive you home or take time off from work or school schedule. This option works best for, and is used by a high percentage of, our patients.
- Oral Sedation – For the next level of sedation, a pill is given to you in our office approximately one hour before the treatment begins. It is for people where nitrous oxide just isn’t sufficient. This medication, along with nitrous oxide, gets you more sleepy and relaxed. Your sedated state of mind lets you respond better to dental treatment. With you being calm and comfortable, we can work fast and efficiently, and can more easily obtain an excellent result. This option does require you to bring someone to drive you, and time off for the remainder of the day to recover. Our doctors earned a special permit to provide this service safely in our practices. The fee is not just for the medication, but for the post-grad education and training, plus the medical equipment to monitor you and keep you safe.
- IV Conscious Sedation – This is the highest level of sedation offered in our dental office and is not needed often. Most of our patients can be helped with the above-mentioned options, but for those with more extensive needs, IV sedation is the answer. We commonly utilize IV for wisdom teeth surgeries and extremely phobic (fearful) patients, as well as for children who need extensive care. It costs more than oral sedation and the fee is paid directly to the dental anesthesiologist. The doctor monitors the patient during the entire procedure. IV Sedation also requires a person to drive you to and from the appointment, as well as remain in the office during the appointment. Time off from work will be necessary for an expedient recovery. This option does cost more than oral sedation, but may be the best option for those with more extensive needs.
In addition, we always offer stereo headphones to help take your mind off the sounds and such associated with dental treatment. You can enjoy your favorite CD or radio station while we work.
Your dental health is our main concern. We will do whatever it takes to make you comfortable. We appreciate the opportunity to be a partner with you in establishing your good, long-term dental health.