Conscious Sedation

Don’t let dental anxiety prevent you from achieving optimal oral health. At MyDentist, we offer conscious sedation options to ensure your comfort and well-being during your dental procedures. If you experience fear, apprehension, or unease in the dental chair, you’re not alone. Many individuals feel anxious about dental appointments, and we are here to help.

MyDentist, with locations at both Middlefield and Pharmacy, is committed to maximizing your comfort and eliminating your worries. We strive to provide a stress-free environment, allowing you to receive the necessary dental care without any hassle.

While nitrous oxide is very safe, there are still some possible side effects. A few patients experience nausea or headaches from nitrous oxide. To avoid nausea, it is a good idea to avoid eating for a couple of hours before your procedure. If you begin to feel nausea, dizziness or any other bad feelings, tell the dentist right away & they will be able to quickly adjust the gas to a comfortable level. All in all, negative side effects from nitrous oxide sedation are neither severe nor common. In some cases, nitrous oxide sedation may not be right for you. Women in the first trimester of pregnancy & individuals who suffer from COPD/emphysema should not receive nitrous oxide. Children can safely receive nitrous oxide for their dental treatments.

• A small mask will be placed over your nose, delivering a continuous flow of gas.
• You will simply breathe normally.
• The mask will initially deliver 100% oxygen, gradually increasing the nitrous oxide dosage. You should feel the effects almost immediately.
• Our dentists can adjust the gas levels throughout the procedure to ensure your comfort.
• Our team will continuously monitor you to ensure your safety and well-being.
• Once the treatment is complete and the gas is turned off, the effects will dissipate quickly.
• You will be able to drive yourself home once the effects have completely worn off.

For patients who require a deeper level of relaxation, MyDentist offers oral sedation. This involves taking an anti-anxiety medication approximately one hour before your dental appointment. Oral sedation may be a suitable option for patients who require extensive dental work or have not visited a dentist in some time.

Oral sedation will not put you to sleep. Instead, it will help you feel relaxed and at ease while the dentist works on your teeth. You will remain awake and responsive, able to communicate with the dentist as needed. Patients typically report feeling drowsy, carefree, and generally relaxed. The medications used for oral sedation are benzodiazepines, commonly prescribed for anxiety and panic disorders.

Oral sedation is not recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing. Patients with heart, lung, or liver conditions should consult with their dentist or primary care physician before undergoing oral sedation. Anxious children can also benefit from oral sedation, which can help establish a positive association with dental care. Children who receive oral sedation should be monitored for the remainder of the day and should avoid physical activities.

• Benzodiazepines can interact with other medications. Please inform us of any prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, or dietary supplements you are taking.
• Avoid consuming alcohol before and after oral sedation, as the combined sedative effects can be dangerous.
• Refrain from eating or drinking non-clear liquids for at least six hours before your appointment.
• You may have difficulty remembering parts of your procedure, which some patients find beneficial.
• Our team will monitor your level of sedation and vital signs to ensure your safety and comfort.
• You will not be able to drive yourself home after oral sedation. You will need someone to drive you to and from your appointment.
• Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery for at least 24 hours after receiving oral sedation.

Let MyDentist help you overcome your dental fears. Contact us today to determine if conscious sedation is the right option for you.