Conscious Sedation
Comfortable. Calm. In Control.
Gentle dental care without fear or anxiety.
We believe dental anxiety to be an actual thing, and thereby we offer conscious sedation-a safe and effective option to help you relax while undergoing dental procedures without being put into a deep sleep.
No fear. No pain. Just better dental care-remember this is all on your terms.
What Is Conscious Sedation?
Since this is an induced relaxation in the patient by which the patient feels serene through dental procedures, it is called conscious sedation.
The patient is given a slight sedative either by mouth or inhalation, which allows them to stay conscious and respond to instructions but ideally remain calm.
You will be:
- Entering a state of calm awareness
- Experiencing a feeling of no pain or discomfort
- Being somewhat removed from visual, auditory, and olfactory perceptions
- Providing responses if necessary, but not having any recollection of what took place after the fact
Who Can Benefit from Conscious Sedation?
Conscious sedation is suitable for patients that:
- Have moderate to severe anxiety over dental procedures,
- Need procedures that last long or are multiple,
- Have had painful past dental experiences,
- Cannot keep sitting still during the procedure (which includes some children).
Our team will look into your medical record and find the sedation method-bar none-for you.
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE
Book your appointment at one of our Summit Village Family Dental locations today.
What Procedures Use Sedation?
Conscious sedation is mostly used for:
- Root canals
- Extractions
- Multiple fillings or crowns
- Full mouth rehabilitation
- Gum treatments
- Children dentistry
- People with very strong phobia toward dentistry
Even some very simple procedures, like cleanings, can feel easier with sedation for the excessively anxious patient.
Types of Conscious Sedation We Offer
1. Oral Sedation
You’ll take a prescribed pill about an hour before your appointment. By the time your procedure begins, you’ll feel deeply relaxed, drowsy, and unconcerned.
Benefits:
- Easy to take
- No needles involved
- Amnesia effect (little to no memory of treatment)
2. Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
It kicks in within minutes and wears off quickly once the gas is stopped.
Benefits:
- Immediate onset and recovery
- Adjustable during the procedure
- You can drive home afterward
What to Expect Before & After Sedation
Before:
- Instructions (like fasting) will be provided depending on the type
- A companion may be required to take you home if oral sedation is used
During:
- You’ll be monitored throughout for blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen
- You will remain conscious but very calm and often feel detached from the procedure
After:
- It will immediately wear off; you can continue with your day as if there was never anything.
- Sedatives taken orally will require some time to work — expect to be drowsy for hours.
- You will be issued with after care instructions.
Is Conscious Sedation Safe?
Indeed, the drugs constituting the conscious sedation are widely used, licensed by the FDA, and are quite safe if properly administered by trained professionals.
At Summit Village Dental:
- A dentist is certified in sedation techniques
- We use modern monitoring equipment
- Emergencies protocols are also in place (hardly ever needed outside of drills)
Your safety and comfort come first.
Sedation Dentistry for Kids
We realize that health can make children anxious. Sedation comes in handy for:
- Frightened and nervous; children
- Those kids needing long or complicated treatments
- Younger children unable to sit still
Don’t Let Fear Delay Your Dental Care
Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, sensitivity, or a previous bad experience, we’re here to make your next visit comfortable and fear-free with conscious sedation dentistry.
FAQs
- Will I be fully asleep during conscious sedation dentistry process?
No. You will be awake and able to respond to what is going on, but in a deeply relaxed, dream-like state.
- Can I eat before the appointment?
With oral sedation, you usually are required to fast. We will instruct you on what to do during your consultation.
- Will I remember anything?
Most patients remember very little or nothing of the procedure—much to the relief of those patients who suffer from anxiety.
- Is the sedation safe for children?
Definitely. Our paediatric protocols ensure that children receive the safest and gentlest care possible.