Conscious Sedation

Conscious Sedation Dentistry in Albuquerque, NM

You may be familiar with dental sedation if you suffer from dental anxiety. Sedation dentistry is a technique used to help patients relax and feel comfortable during their dental care procedures. While various methods of achieving dental sedation usually involve using medications that produce a calming effect during dental visits. Call our dental office in Albuquerque, NM; if you are interested in learning more about our sedation dentistry options for your dental appointments, call our office in Albuquerque, NM, today!

What is conscious sedation anesthesia?

With conscious sedation dentistry, dental anxiety can be a thing of the past! It is a technique used to help calm and relax patients before and during their dental procedure. It can be used for both adults and children and involves using medication to put the patient into a state of consciousness that is comfortable and relaxing. This type of sedation can be used for various procedures, from simple tooth cleaning to more complex procedures like surgery. We offer two sedation options at our Albuquerque, NM dental office: nitrous oxide and oral medication. Nitrous oxide is a simple gas administered through a small mask that fits over your nose. It works quickly to produce relaxation and calmness. Oral medication is a prescription drug taken in pill form and works to create a state of deep relaxation and peace.

Dental Treatment That Requires Sedation Dentistry

Conscious sedation is something that many patients will require during procedures. If you or a family member are considering sedation for your dental treatment, talk to your dentist about it first. They will tell you if it is the right option for you. Oral conscious sedation can be used for several dental services, such as:

• Teeth cleanings
• Dental fillings
• Root canals
• Dental crowns

Types of Sedation Dentistry

We offer both oral conscious sedation and nitrous oxide sedation. Our dental team will be able to help you determine what type of sedation would work best for you.

Oral Conscious Sedation

Oral sedation is administered in pill form, and the patient will be lightly sedated for the duration of their procedure. The dentist can help you feel at ease and comfortable throughout your appointment by using oral sedatives before treatment.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide sedation, or “laughing gas,” is a common dental sedative that helps to calm patients and make them feel relaxed. We can use it for both children and adults, and it is one of the most commonly used sedatives in dentistry. Nitrous oxide is an inhaled sedation administered through a mask, and it works quickly to help relax patients. Nitrous oxide is considered very safe and is usually the first choice for pediatric patients. Laughing gas is not a form of deep sedation, meaning the patient is still aware of their surroundings.  

Sedation FAQs

How long will the effects of the sedative last?

With moderate sedation options, we tell our patients a rule of thumb is to give it at least 24 hours for the full effects to wear off. Everyone’s body will metabolize it differently, so some may experience effects for less or more time.

What are the benefits of sedation anesthesia?

Most patients describe their dental experience as positive when a form of sedation is offered to help reduce anxiety or relieve the pain of a lengthy procedure. Here are just some of the benefits patients will experience with sedation dentistry: 

• Reduced anxiety and fear during your treatment, which means improved oral health
• More minor discomfort during lengthy procedures
• Reduce the need for pain medication post-treatment
• Can allow for more comprehensive dental care in just one appointment

Who is a good candidate for sedation?

Sedation dentistry is an excellent option for those anxious about their dental procedures. It can help to make the experience overall less stressful and more comfortable. It is a safe and effective way to receive dental care and is often recommended for people who have difficulty getting the treatment area numb or fear needles. Before receiving any form of sedation for a dental procedure, you should discuss your medical history with your dentist.

Contact Us

Sedation dentistry can make your dental visit much more comfortable. If you have dental anxiety or need a lot of dental work, ask us about our sedation options to improve your dental experience. Our dentists are highly skilled in providing this type of treatment and make sure that you feel comfortable and safe during your entire visit. Give our office a call today to schedule an appointment and learn more about our services offered.