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Sedation Dentistry

However much all of us at Desert Valley Dentistry love coming into the office every day, we recognize that some feel anxious or even fearful about dental appointments and procedures. So we offer a variety of sedation options to make things a little easier.
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Sedation dentistry may also be a good fit for those with a low pain threshold, sensitivity issues, or a strong gag reflex. It’s commonly used in surgical procedures. When a treatment plan is particularly complex or extensive, sedation can help reduce the number of visits needed, as more work can usually be done when the patient is deeply relaxed.

Options for Helping You Relax While We Work
on Your Smile

As part of our dedication to delivering gentle dentistry, Dr. Bybee is fully trained and accredited to perform sedation dentistry. Idaho’s dental board carefully regulates the use of sedation techniques, so you can rest assured that you are in good hands.

Natural Remedies
There are a number of botanicals that can help take the edge off without making you feel loopy, such as valerian root and lavender. Here in the office, we use a supplement form of Avena Sativa as a drug-free way for our patients to relax.

Nitrous Oxide
Better known as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide works well for those with mild anxiety. Under Dr. Bybee’s supervision, nitrogen is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a mask that fits over your nose.

 

Nitrous oxide is a safe and effective sedative and painkiller that typically begins to work within a few minutes. You remain alert and able to respond to requests and questions. Nitrous also wears off quickly, so you’re able to safely drive yourself home afterwards.

Oral Conscious Sedation
This method provides a deeper level of relaxation than nitrous, courtesy of a modest dose of prescription medication you take before your appointment. Though the dosage is not intended to knock you out, many patients doze through their appointment with little memory of treatment, making it well suited for those with moderate or severe dental anxiety.

If you opt for this type of sedation, we do require that you have someone available to drive you to and from your appointment. You will not be able to drive yourself.

IV Conscious Sedation

This is the most effective sedation method available and allows those with extreme fear to reach a deep level of relaxation. By delivering the sedative/anesthetic combination directly into your bloodstream, Dr. Bybee can quickly achieve a precise level of sedation. Though you will be conscious, you may find yourself drifting off as your procedure begins.

With IV conscious sedation, patients enjoy little to no memory of the dental procedure. As with oral conscious sedation, you will need to have someone available to drive you home after your appointment.

Is Sedation for Everyone?
While sedation is both safe and effective, not all methods are appropriate for every patient.

Nitrous, in particular, may not be suitable if you’re pregnant, have COPD or congestive heart failure, have suffered a recent head injury, have an ear infection, are taking medication that may trigger a reaction, or have difficulty having your nose covered.

Patients who have obstructive sleep apnea or are obese are more likely to experience complications with all types of sedation and should talk with the doctor about which sedation options are best for them.