Sedation Dentistry 101

It’s perfectly acceptable – and even fine – to be nervous about dental appointments. If you’re going in for a filling or root canal, it’s normal to be a bit nervous.

What’s not normal, however, is to let those nervous feelings prevent you from getting the oral health care you need to keep your teeth in the best possible shape.

That’s why our team here at Portland Dental in Portland, Oregon, offers sedation dentistry to our patients.

What is it?

Sedation dentistry is exactly what it sounds like – it’s the process of performing necessary dental procedures on a patient who’s sedated. The sedation allows a patient to relax and enjoy their experience at the dentist’s office, instead of dreading the entire appointment.

How does it work?

Depending on the level of your anxiety about the dentist, as well as the procedure being performed, Dr. Kaveen will likely recommend a few different treatment options. The options range from laughing gas (nitrous oxide) to two different levels of IV sedatives, to general anesthesia. You’ll only need general anesthesia for a procedure such as wisdom teeth removal, or if you’re really nervous, a root canal.

If you’re suffering from dental anxiety and need help, call us today at (503) 221-8123 to schedule a sedation dentistry appointment so we can help you have the best oral health possible.