Sedation Dentistry
For some people, visiting the dentist can be a nerve-wracking experience. But not when you come to Keystone Dentistry for your dental care. We have created a relaxing environment for all of our patients, and have carefully trained our team to be attentive to your personal needs and concerns. We have a very gentle touch when working in your mouth, and most patients find that they do great just having a little encouragement or having us talk them through their treatment.
If you are particularly fearful of dental treatment, we will spend time discussing your concerns and planning your treatment. It is very easy for us to adjust to your needs. You may not need as much sedation for a simple filling appointment as you would for a surgical procedure. The important thing is to let us know about your fears. We can help!
Below are the choices we offer to help you get through your dental concerns.
- The Wand – Computerized shots or local anesthesia injections. This greatly reduces the discomfort associated with deep dental injections by allowing us more control over how the needle is placed. Also, the flow rate of the local anaesthetic is controlled by a computer. This means that the injection is guaranteed to be slow and steady and therefore more comfortable.
- Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas) – This is an almost ideal anti-anxiety medication for dentistry. It is instant on and instant off, so there are no after effects or “hang over.” You can drive home or go back to work. A small mask fits over the nose and a blend of oxygen and nitrous oxide gas is adjusted for each patient. The sensation is one of moderate relaxation with awareness and control of your surroundings. This is used often with the very young.
- Oral Sedation – This technique accomplishes a deeper relaxation and sedation than Nitrous Oxide alone. Amnesia and light sleep may accompany this also. Monitoring of vital signs is necessary. For the patient with a fear strong enough to cause them to delay needed treatment, this is the answer.
- Intravenous (I.V.) Sedation – This technique creates a profound relaxation, amnesia and sedation with light sleep. Monitoring of vital signs is necessary. For the especially fearful patient, during surgery, or during longer conventional dental appointments, this technique is the best.