Sedation Dentistry
Intravenous Sedation (“Twilight Sedation”)
Our office offers our patients the option of Intravenous Sedation or Dental Intravenous Anesthesia or to some it is referred to as “Twilight Sedation” for their dental treatment. Intravenous Sedation or “twilight sleep” helps you to be comfortable and calm when undergoing dental procedures. Your treatment can be completed under intravenous sedation. Intravenous sedation or “IV sedation” (twilight sedation) is designed to better enable you to undergo your dental procedures while you are very relaxed; it will enable you to tolerate as well as not remember those procedures that may be very uncomfortable for you. IV sedation will essentially help alleviate the anxiety associated with your treatment. You may not always be asleep but you will be comfortable, calm and relaxed, drifting in and out of sleep – a “twilight sleep”.
If you choose the option of intravenous sedation your IV sedation/anesthesia is administered and monitored by Dr. Campfield therefore eliminating the costly expense of having your treatment carried out in an operating room or same day surgical facility.
The goal of IV sedation is to use as little medication as possible to get the treatment completed.
Oral Sedation
For oral sedation, patients take prescribed oral medication prior to treatment, leaving them relaxed and extremely comfortable. Our dental team monitors your vital signs throughout the entire appointment. You will still be awake enough to respond to the doctor, but will be much more comfortable for treatment. Prior to your visit we will review the specific instructions for you to follow before and after your oral sedation appointment.
Sedation dramatically reduces the body’s natural tendency to tense muscles while stressed, helping you to feel relaxed and at ease. Dental anesthetics are more effective while the body is relaxed, eliminating most of your concerns about discomfort during treatment.
Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas)
Nitrous Oxide is a sweet-smelling, non-irritating, colorless gas which you can breathe. It has been the primary means of sedation in dentistry for many years. Nitrous oxide is safe, the patient receives 50-70% oxygen with no less than 30% nitrous oxide.
The patient is able to breathe on their own and remain in control of all bodily functions.
The patient may experience very mild amnesia and the nitrous is easily titrated or adjusted to each patients comfort level.