Sedation Dentistry

Difficulty sleeping the night before a dental appointment

Feelings of nervousness or panic before and during a dental visit

Avoidance of dental appointments, even when there are obvious dental problems or pain

Feeling physically ill or experiencing nausea at the thought of going to the dentist

Difficulty sitting still during dental procedures or feeling the need to leave the dental chair

Intense fear of dental procedures, needles, or the sound of dental equipment.

Feeling out of control or helpless during dental procedures

A belief that dental procedures will be extremely painful, even if the dentist has assured them that it will not be

Nitrous oxide sedation, also known as “laughing gas,” is a form of conscious sedation that is commonly used in dentistry and other medical procedures to help patients relax and feel more comfortable during the procedure. Nitrous oxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is inhaled through a mask, which is placed over the patient’s nose.

The gas works quickly, usually within a few minutes, and the effects can be adjusted to suit the patient’s needs. Nitrous oxide sedation produces a feeling of euphoria and relaxation, and many patients report feeling like they are floating or experiencing a pleasant dream-like state. It can also reduce anxiety, fear, and discomfort associated with the procedure.

One of the benefits of nitrous oxide sedation is that it wears off quickly once the gas is stopped, allowing patients to return to their normal activities without any lingering effects. It is also considered safe when used properly by a trained professional.

Overall, nitrous oxide sedation can be an effective option for patients who experience anxiety or discomfort during medical procedures, but it is important to discuss the risks and benefits with a healthcare professional before undergoing the procedure.

Oral sedation is a type of sedation with a pill, also known as enteral sedation. It is a form of conscious sedation that involves taking a sedative medication in the form of a pill or liquid prior to a medical procedure. The medication is typically a benzodiazepine, such as a diazepam or midazolam, which is a type of drug that produces a calming and relaxing effect on the body.

Oral sedation is commonly used in dentistry, but it can also be used for other medical procedures such as minor surgeries or diagnostic tests. The medication is usually taken about an hour before the procedure and may be adjusted based on the patient’s weight, age, and medical history.

Oral sedation produces a mild to moderate level of sedation, which can help patients feel relaxed and less anxious during the procedure. The level of sedation can vary from person to person, but patients will typically remain conscious and able to respond to verbal cues.

One of the benefits of oral sedation is that it is easy to administer and does not require any needles or other invasive procedures. However, it can take some time for the medication to take effect, and patients may need to arrange for transportation to and from the procedure since they may not be able to drive themselves.

Overall, oral sedation can be an effective option for patients who experience anxiety or discomfort during medical procedures. However, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits with your dentist or your doctor before undergoing the procedure.

Intravenous (IV) sedation is a form of conscious sedation that is commonly used in dentistry to help patients relax and feel more comfortable during dental procedures. It involves the use of a sedative medication that is administered directly into the bloodstream through an IV line.

During the procedure, the patient is closely monitored by a trained professional to ensure their safety and comfort. In our dental office, we partner with our anesthesiologist associates to provide this level of sedation to our patients. The level of sedation can be adjusted as needed based on the patient’s response to the medication.

IV sedation produces a deeper level of sedation than oral or nitrous oxide sedation, and patients may not remember much about the procedure afterward. However, they remain conscious and able to respond to verbal cues.

One of the benefits of IV sedation is that it works quickly and can provide a more predictable level of sedation than other forms of sedation. It is also considered safe when administered by a trained professional in a controlled environment.

Overall, IV sedation can be an effective option for patients who experience anxiety or discomfort during dental procedures, particularly for more complex procedures or patients with special needs. However, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits with a healthcare professional before undergoing the procedure and to ensure that the dental provider is properly trained and qualified to administer IV sedation.

Dr. Sokolowski is board certified and has a diplomate in both the American Dental Board of Anesthesiology (ADBA) and the National Dental Board of Anesthesiology (NDBA). He is also a board examiner for the oral boards for candidates applying for board certification in the American Dental Board of Anesthesiology. In addition, Dr. Sokolowski is a member of the Connecticut State Dental Association Anesthesia Task Force. He is licensed to provide anesthesia in Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. You are in safe hands with him and his team for your next dental procedure under sedation.

Our aim is to make your visit as comfortable and stress-free as possible. We offer a full range of sedation options, including IV sedation and nitrous oxide. We will provide you with a solution that works best for you.

Sedation dentistry might be the right choice for you if:

You are too uncomfortable or scared to even call the dentist, let alone come for an evaluation

You feel heightened anxiety as your dental appointment is approaching

You hate the tastes, smells, and sounds of the dentist

You had traumatic experiences as a child and now have dental phobia

You need multiple procedures performed and want to get them completed in fewer visits

You have a bad gag reflex and are unable to tolerate dental procedures

You’ve had difficulty getting numb in the past during a dental procedure

You are intolerant to needles and shots