Sedation

St. Clair Dental understands that many individuals have dental fears and anxieties that need assistance in being managed. There are also dental procedures that are more invasive or longer in duration where it is beneficial for the patient to be sedated.

Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas)

A safe and effective sedation that uses a “laughing gas” delivered through a mask. With this method a patient remains conscious (awake) throughout the appointment with a relaxed and mellow feeling. An advantage of nitrous sedation is that it requires only an empty stomach prior to the appointment. At the completion of the appointment, oxygen is flowed through the mask, quickly returning the patient to a normal state. There is no need for an accompanying family member or friend. This is an easy and safe sedation for adults and children.

Oral Sedation

Another alternative is an oral (pill) medication administered by the dentist in the office.  The patient usually arrives 1 hour prior to the treatment time. The medication is swallowed and takes 30 to 40 minutes to become effective. This is another safe alternative but requires an accompanying family or friend to take the individual home and stay with them overnight.

Intravenous Sedation

This is a stronger medication that is administered through an IV (intravenous) in the arm by a dentist with additional training and performed at an office with specialty permits. St. Clair Dental provides this service. Additional team members are present including a nurse. Blood pressure, oxygen levels and heart rate are monitored closely throughout the procedure. The patient is still conscious and able to respond to instruction, but relaxed and comfortable. This sedation is ideal for extensive procedures or for the extremely anxious.