Sedation Dentistry

It’s important to know that a visit to the dentist can be a positive experience, even when treatment is necessary. Millions of Americans, nearly 30%, are afraid of the dentist.

Our doctors and staff of Upper Arlington Endodontics are committed to making sure each and every patient has a comfortable, positive dental experience. We offer several safe, effective and comfortable options of sedation for the anxious, or fearful patients.

Inhalation Sedation – Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

What is Nitrous Oxide?

Nitrous oxide (N20) is simply a gas in which the patient breathes in and out through their nose. Within 2 to 3 minutes of breathing the gas, the patient will experience the relaxation and pain-killing properties of the gas. After 5 minutes or so of breathing in the gas, the patient should feel a euphoric feeling spread throughout their body. Often people get “the giggles” (hence the name laughing gas).

Is Nitrous Oxide safe?

YES. It has no color or smell and the gas is eliminated from the body within 3 to 5 minutes after the gas supply is stopped. There is no “hangover feeling”, and you can safely drive afterwards.

Which patients benefit the most from Nitrous Oxide?

Any patient that feels they need a little help relaxing during their appointment.

Oral Sedation

What is oral sedation dentistry?

Sometimes referred to as “comfortable” or “relaxation” dentistry, which describes the feeling most patients experience during their oral sedation appointments. The purpose of oral sedation is to allow a dentist to work more effectively by helping a patient become as comfortable as possible, remembering little to nothing of their time in the dental chair by the next day. This is accomplished through the use of sedative medications administered orally and sublingually. A consultation appointment is needed so that the patient and dentist can discuss all of the sedation procedures.

Is Oral Sedation safe?

YES. Appropriately trained dentists can use a variety of protocols customized to a patient’s physiological and pharmacological needs. A number of oral agents developed especially for these purposes, subjected to rigorous research and testing, are safe and have been used for decades. Dr. Oser and Dr. Lee utilize the most up-to-date medicines, monitoring, and equipment in order to provide quality sedation care:

• Blood pressure
• Pulse oximetry
• Respiratory monitor

Which patients benefit the most from oral sedation?

Oral sedation dentistry can benefit a wide range of patients, including people with:

• High dental anxiety and fear
• A severe gag reflex
• Chronic or acute jaw soreness
• Physical limitations such as back and neck problems
• Difficulty getting numb
• A desire to have dentistry done comfortably while they are fully relaxed