How can I be sure I'll be comfortable?
The simple answer is that we will make sure you are comfortable because we care about you and we are very good at what we do. Via consultation with you, we will select the type of sedation that is most appropriate. We will never proceed with treatments until we are convinced you are comfortable. Ask us for testimonials of patients who have successfully overcome dental anxiety with sedation dentistry.
What kinds of sedation or anesthesia are there?
Sedation and anesthesia services to make patients more comfortable includes any of the following which may be used alone or in combination with another technique:
- Nitrous oxide sedation
- Topical anesthetic (numbing gel)
- Local anesthetic (numbing shots)
- Oral sedations (sedative pills)
- IV sedation (sedative injected in a vein)
A further discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of each follows.
What is local anesthesia?
This is the most frequently used type of anesthesia in dental offices. Dr. Deyton is well known among his patients for giving painless injections. He uses a topical gel to numb the area before giving an injection. The numbing effects of the local anesthetic can last from 30 minutes to three hours after treatment.
What is nitrous oxide sedation?
The most commonly used sedation agent is Nitrous Oxide, commonly known as laughing gas. Nitrous oxide sedation combined with local anesthesia is excellent choice for patients with mild anxiety. It is an extremely safe sedating agent that is combined with oxygen to make patients feel more comfortable during dental care. A small ‘nose cone’ is used to allow patients to inhale the sedative. Nitrous Oxide is easily adjusted to a level that is relaxingly comfortable. Most patients report pleasant feeling of well-being when receiving Nitrous Oxide.
Advantages: rapid onset, ease of adjustment, relief of anxiety without affecting ability to
converse or respond, quick reversal of effects with no hangover, and the ability of the patient
to drive home unassisted or return to work
Disadvantages: not a complete solution for patients with moderate to severe anxiety.
Nitrous Oxide can be combined effectively with oral sedation.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of oral sedation?
Oral conscious sedation is a good choice for patients with moderate to severe anxiety. Oral sedation is accomplished using a very safe sedative pill. Commonly administered oral sedatives include: Valium, Sonata, Halcion and Ativan. Within an hour, the patient becomes sleepy and has a diminished sense of awareness. The oral sedation is appropriate for procedures up to four hours.
Advantages: Patients like oral conscious sedation because there are no IV's and needles. They are easily administered (via pills), are very safe and have a low incidence of side effects.
Disadvantages: Less predictable levels of sedation than intravenous sedation, severely anxious patients may be more aware than he/she would like, longer recovery times than with IV sedation (two to eight hours).
What are the advantages and disadvantages of IV sedation?
Intravenous or ‘IV’ sedation is accomplished by injecting the sedative in a tube connected to a vein in the patient’s arm. Its main advantage is that the length and level of the sedation can be adjusted more accurately than oral sedation. IV sedation is a safe and effective technique for management of moderate to severe levels of dental fear. This method may also be used for patients who are not physically or behaviorally able to cooperate with dentistry. Commonly used drugs include Valium, Versed, Fentanyl, Propofol and Demerol, either alone or in combinations selected by a doctor.
Advantages: very quick onset (seconds), ability to quickly adjust sedation level,
duration that can vary from 30 minutes to 4 hours, and relatively quick recovery (up to 3 hours)
Disadvantages: Some patients dislike IV's and consider that a disadvantage. Need for a nurse anesthetist and additional cost when compared to oral sedation.
How long will my sedation recovery take?
Nitrous Oxide sedation recovery is very quick: 5 minutes. On days that you have oral or IV sedation dentistry, plan on taking the rest of the day off. Many times, patients go home and take a nap. The length of recovery from the sedative depends on the agent used. It varies from two to eight hours. It is recommended that you refrain from driving for 24 hours after oral or IV sedation.
What types of sedation do you offer?
Based on a personal consultation, we offer the following approaches to best suit your care:
- Local Anesthesia
- Nitrous Oxide Sedation
- Oral Sedation
Dr. Deyton received his training in sedation as a part of a post graduate residency program accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation in Kansas City, Missouri (MO), Kanasas City North, Missouri (MO), Riverside, Missouri (MO), Parkville, Missouri (MO), and Gladstone, Missouri (MO).