Patients who suffer from anxiety at the dental office can rest comfortably during an appointment at our office. Our office offers relaxation options including:

• Oral Sedatives
• Nitrous Oxide (N2O)
• Local Anesthetic

Oral Sedation
Oral sedation does not involve any needles or injections. This is used for patients who experience mild anxiety or have trouble getting numb. However, you will need someone to drive you home if you decide to go with this option. You should take the pill an hour before the appointment and it will make you feel drowsy.

Nitrous Oxide
Commonly known as laughing gas, it is one of the most commonly used methods of sedation. Nitrous oxide is a colorless and odorless gas that makes patients feel euphoric and relaxed after just a few minutes of inhaling.

Local Anesthetic
Local anesthesia is used to numb parts of the mouth before certain procedures are performed. It can be combined with other sedation methods to increase the intensity or length of the effects. In most cases, the effects of local anesthesia last only a few hours.

IV Anesthesia
Intravenous (IV) anesthesia is a form of conscious sedation that allows patients to remain awake during the procedure but in a state of deep relaxation. During IV anesthesia, a medication is administered through a vein in the arm, inducing a sedative effect that reduces pain and anxiety while still allowing the patient to breathe on their own.

Advantages of IV Anesthesia for Dental Implants

IV anesthesia is particularly useful in the placement of dental implants because it provides several advantages. One of the significant benefits of IV anesthesia is that it enables the patient to undergo the procedure without feeling any pain or discomfort. Dental implant placement requires drilling into the jawbone, which can be quite uncomfortable, but with IV anesthesia, the patient remains relaxed and comfortable throughout the procedure.

Another advantage of IV anesthesia is that it reduces anxiety and fear associated with dental procedures. Dental anxiety is a prevalent condition, with up to 15% of Americans experiencing some form of it. IV anesthesia can help these patients overcome their fears and undergo the dental implant procedure without experiencing overwhelming anxiety.

How is IV Anesthesia Administered?
Before the dental implant procedure, the dentist will perform an evaluation to determine if the patient is a good candidate for IV anesthesia. The dentist will review the patient’s medical history and discuss any medications or allergies they may have. Afterward, the patient will receive an IV line, usually in the arm or hand.

Once the IV line is in place, the anesthesiologist will administer a sedative medication that induces a state of deep relaxation. During the procedure, the patient’s vital signs, such as heart rate and blood pressure, are monitored to ensure their safety.

After the procedure, the patient is observed until they are alert and ready to go home. Patients should have a friend or family member accompany them home and avoid driving or operating heavy machinery for the rest of the day.