Sedation Dentistry In Bartlett, IL

One of the most pressing concerns that many patients have when they learn that they are in need of dental surgery is the type of sedation that will be used for the procedure. While local anesthetic is typically all that is required for routine dentistry such as fillings and endodontic treatment, general anesthesia may be required for procedures that require more extensive work, such as implant placement or wisdom tooth extraction. At Westgate Smiles, we seek to ensure that all of our patients know as much as possible about what to expect with their dental procedure, and to that end provide information about our options for sedation during dental surgery.

What Types Of Sedation Are Available?

Typically, we will use one of two forms of sedation during surgical dentistry.

  • Nitrous Oxide, colloquially known as “laughing gas”

  • IV Sedation

Nitrous oxide is not intended to put you to sleep. With nitrous oxide sedation, you will remain awake throughout the procedure. However, it will help you to calm down and relax during the procedure. Most patients who undergo nitrous oxide sedation report that the primary feelings associated with it are sensations of heaviness in the limbs.

As with nitrous oxide, IV sedation will not put you to sleep. Instead, you will experience feelings of deep relaxation. However, many patients do experience amnesia while undergoing IV sedation, which may lead them to feel as if they were, in fact, asleep for their dental procedure. During either form of sedation, the patient will also be numbed with a local anesthetic for their dental work.

What Should I Expect With Sedation During Surgical Dentistry?

The dentist at Westgate Smiles in Bartlett, IL will help you decide which of these two forms of sedation, if necessary, will work best for your procedure. Whether you and your dentist decide to use nitrous oxide or IV sedation during your procedure, there are a few things that you must prepare for. Most patients experience tiredness, confusion, and general unsteadiness after undergoing sedation, and will need someone to drive them home after the procedure.