Oral Sedation

We provide two types of oral sedation:

1)  Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
2)  Oral sedatives (pills)

  • Oral sedatives primarily relax you as you drift, safely, in and out of a mild sleep state.
  • Oral sedatives require that you arrange transportation to and from our office.
  • Three strengths are offered: mild, moderate and strong.
  • Oral sedatives are usually effective for several hours depending on the type of sedative and the patient’s tolerance.
  • Oral sedatives do NOT put you into a deep sleep.  That requires IV sedation or general anesthesia.
  • If a patient requests IV sedation or general anesthesia, we refer them to an oral surgeon.

Statistics show that as many as 35 million adults avoid the dental office because of their fears. Many adults will endure severe dental pain before seeking professional care.  As a result, individuals may find themselves in an emergency situation.

We do NOT judge you or lecture to you.  We understand and make every effort to ensure a positive experience for our patients.

MODIFIED DENTAL ANXIETY SCALE (MDAS)

Score yourself.  You can also share the results with us.

a) If you went to your dentist for treatment tomorrow, how would you feel?
Not Anxious(1)     Slightly Anxious(2)        Fairly Anxious(3)      Very Anxious(4)     Extremely Anxious(5)
 b) If you were sitting in the waiting room (waiting for treatment) how would you feel?
Not Anxious(1)     Slightly Anxious(2)        Fairly Anxious(3)      Very Anxious(4)     Extremely Anxious(5)
 c) If you were about to have a tooth pulled, how would you feel?
Not Anxious(1)     Slightly Anxious(2)        Fairly Anxious(3)      Very Anxious(4)     Extremely Anxious(5)
d) If you were about to have your teeth cleaned and polished, how would you feel?
Not Anxious(1)     Slightly Anxious(2)        Fairly Anxious(3)      Very Anxious(4)     Extremely Anxious(5)
 e) If you were about to have an injection to numb a tooth, how would you feel?
Not Anxious(1)     Slightly Anxious(2)        Fairly Anxious(3)      Very Anxious(4)     Extremely Anxious(5)

Add your answers.   A score of 19 or greater indicates a  dentally anxious patient or possibly a dental phobic.