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Sedation Options - Salem, NH

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dental patient under sedation

Dental anxiety is common

Many people avoid going to the dentist because they experienced traumatic care as a child, suffered painful procedures as an adult, or are influenced by the stereotypes they see on TV and movies.  Even when they experience warning signs like pain in the mouth, many people avoid seeking treatment because of the fear they experience.  At our office we understand these feelings and want to help.  Whether you just need a routine cleaning or a brand-new smile, we offer sedation dentistry to make your experience comfortable and relaxing. We partner with experienced anesthesiologists at Blue Sky Anesthesia Associates to offer IV sedation in-house, so you can remain in the comfort and familiarity of our office for your treatment.

Sedation Dentistry is a Path Free from Fear!

Sedation dentistry is used by many dentists to provide a relaxing, calming experience for patients who are afraid of going to the dentist and/or having dental procedures performed. There are many forms of sedation that can be administered in a variety of ways such as intravenous (IV) sedation, or oral sedation. This variety of sedation methods offers dentists the flexibility of three levels of sedation – minimal, moderate, and deep – depending on the level of anxiety the patient experiences.

dental patient smiling

our select sedation services

Local Anesthetic

For certain dental procedures, your dentist will need to numb parts of your mouth. In order to do so, medicine is injected into your gum or inner cheek. This medicine is called a local anesthetic. Lidocaine is the most common local anesthetic used in dentistry, however, there are many others. All types of numbing drugs are combined with other medications to make the numbing last longer. Numbing usually lasts several hours but wears off over time. Numbing just the area where dentistry needs to be performed allows the dentist to perform procedures without pain or discomfort. Because you are still conscious, you can answer prompts and commands quickly and easily. And, because you have not been sedated, you can usually drive yourself home or go back to work immediately after the appointment.
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Oral Sedation

Oral sedation dentistry allows us to relieve your anxiety without the use of needles or intravenous tubes. If you traditionally have trouble getting numb you should have no problem once sedated and relaxed through oral sedation dentistry. About an hour prior to the appointment, you’ll take a small pill that will make you drowsy. By the time a companion accompanies you to our office for the appointment, you will be feeling relaxed and calm. We will escort you to a comfortable room and cover you with a warm, thick blanket. Once you are comfortable and completely relaxed, the doctor and experienced clinical team will complete the dental procedure. During the entire procedure, we’ll monitor your vital signs to ensure your health and safety. After the treatment is completed, your companion will take you home to rest and sleep for a couple of hours after the appointment.
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IV Sedation

IV sedation is a fairly potent form of anesthesia that is administered into your bloodstream via an IV line. It enables the experienced team from Blue Sky Anesthesia Associates to control your level of sedation, using more if needed. Once IV sedation is in your system, you will very quickly feel relaxed and will not feel pain. You will still be able to respond to verbal commands, but you may feel so relaxed you fall asleep. Although conscious during treatment, many patients do not remember their procedure once it is complete. This is why many with moderate to advanced dental anxiety prefer IV sedation over our other sedation services. After treatment, you will be unable to drive for several hours, so you will need a companion to take you home.
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Interested in Sedation Dentistry? You May be a Candidate!

Candidates for Sedation Dentistry include people who have:

  • High fear
  • Had traumatic dental experiences
  • Difficulty getting numb
  • A bad gag reflex
  • Very sensitive teeth
  • Limited time to complete their dental care
  • Complex dental problems
  • A fear of needles and shots
  • An aversion to the noises, smells, and tastes associated with dental care
  • Fear or embarrassment about their teeth

make your next dental visit a relaxing one.

learn more about sedation dentistry at your consultation!