• Cosmetic Dentistry
  • Porcelain Veneers
  • Tooth Whitening
  • Bonding
  • Cosmetic Tissue Contouring
  • Smile Makeover
  • Dentures
• Reconstructive Dentistry
  • Crowns
  • Inlays/Onlays
  • Bridges
  • Dental Implants
  • Dental Implant Questions
  • Dental Implants vs. Dentures
• Orthodontics
  • Invisalign and The Damon System
• TMJ/Headache Treatment
• Family Dentistry
  • Oral Hygiene and Kids
• Periodontics
• Sedation Dentistry

Sedation Dentistry

Stow and Akron-Canton, Ohio

For those who despise going to the dentist, either because they have what is known as dental phobia or suffer pain, sedation dentistry may be the right thing for them. Sedation dentistry is a term used for medication given either orally or as a gas just prior to your dental procedures. In this way the dentists at Stow Dental Group can be sure your teeth and gums are healthy while you remain calm throughout your appointment.

Because you are never fully unconscious during sedation dentistry, it is also called conscious oral sedation. You may feel drowsy after taking a mild sedative or inhaling nitrous oxide, but you will still be able to follow the Stow Dental Group dentist's instructions.

Sedation dentistry candidates include patients who:

• Have dental phobia
• Struggle with their gag reflex
• Have trouble becoming numb during general dental procedures
• Have soreness in their jaw
• Have back or neck problems
• Have other health problems that keep them from getting dental care
• Must undergo several procedures at once

Types of Sedation

The type of medication used in sedation dentistry most people have probably heard of is nitrous oxide, or "laughing gas." This is administered through a mask worn throughout the patient's procedure. However, there are several other oral medications given about an hour prior to getting into the dental chair. Some of the most common include:

• Valium (diazepam)
• Sonata (zaleoplon)
• Ativan (larazepam)
• Vistaril (hydroxyzine)

All types of medications used in sedation dentistry are very safe. The type of medication given to the patient depends on factors such as age, weight and the procedure to be done. If you are a candidate for sedation dentistry, it is recommended you have someone drive you to and from your appointment since the medication may take a while to wear off. You can also rest assured that the medication will keep you calm and relaxed throughout your procedure and may even cause retrograde amnesia. It may make you more comfortable when scheduling your next appointment if you know you won't be able to remember much of it when it is done.

Visiting the dentist is a necessity for keeping your teeth and gums healthy for your lifetime. If you are not comfortable with the idea of going to the dentist, but need to see one, consider the benefits of sedation dentistry.

If you are in the Stow, Akron, or Canton, Ohio area and think you may be a candidate for sedation dentistry, please contact Stow Dental Group for an initial consultation.