Sedation Dentistry

Sedation Dentistry West Chester - Sedation Dentistry
It has come to the attention of those in the dental profession that millions of people suffer from dental anxiety. For many, this fear of the dentist's office leads them to avoid the care that will preserve healthy teeth and gums. West Chester Dental Group takes your wellbeing seriously, and proudly provides the ultimate in care through sedation dentistry.

Types of sedation

Dentists around the world provide a variety of sedation options. We find IV sedation to be the most predictable, and therefore the most suitable option. In our practice,we are able to deliver the right dose of sedative directly to the bloodstream at precisely the right speed. Neither too little nor too much will be given.

Since the early days of dentistry, nitrous oxide gas has been used to help patients relax. Still used today, and offered in our practice, nitrous oxide is inhaled, delivered via a comfortable nasal mask. What is beneficial about nitrous oxide is that this sedative is quickly effective, within minutes, and can be adjusted throughout a procedure. As we near the end of treatment, the delivery of nitrous oxide is tapered off, and the patient feels fully alert within minutes. Quick to leave the system, nitrous oxide is a form of sedative after which one can safely drive him or herself home.

Oral sedation is a popular option for dental work, and we offer this service for our patients. There is a bit of guesswork involved with oral sedation, as medication is absorbed differently based on weight, size, sex, and age, as well as the presence of other medications in the system. Leaders in the field of dental anesthesiology agree that oral sedation tends to produce either under- or over-sedation about 50 percent of the time, leaving it only 50 percent effective. We do not want to risk over sedating our patients, nor do we wish for them to become fully alert before treatment is completed, as further oral sedation would take another hour to become effective. Most often, we use IV sedation, which allows us to tailor delivery throughout treatment, based on your immediate response.

Sensations of IV sedation

IV sedation is associated with sleep-like state, somewhat like general anesthesia. Many people do doze off during treatment under IV sedation. However, this sedative still allows you to communicate with our team if needed. Even though IV sedation delivered by Board Certified Anesthesiologist, Dr. Westminster, does not produce deep sleep, many people feel as though they slept through treatment. This is because the sedative produces such a state of relaxation that an external stimulus does not produce a nervous response. Secondly, the sedatives delivered in this form of sedation tend to affect memory, making it seem as though time has moved very quickly, diminishing any recollection of treatment itself.

Sedation and anesthetic

Although sedatives used in dentistry do tend to inhibit the pain response, Dr. Goel, who is DOCS certified from the Dental Organization of Conscious Sedation, still applies local anesthetic before performing dental treatment.

Sedation is ideal in a number of situations, even for those who fear receiving injections of local anesthetic. Our practitioners wait until sedation has taken effect before administering any injections or beginning treatment.
Sedation Dentistry West Chester - DOCS

Delivery of sedative

The "IV" in IV sedation stands for intravenous, which means that a sedative is delivered directly to a vein. To deliver medication, a very small, thin tube is inserted into a vein in the back of the hand or the arm, near the surface of skin. Through this tube, the sedative is administered, allowing proper dose, gradual adjustment, and quick effect.

IV sedation is even effective with patients who are highly afraid of needles! Our team is understanding and compassionate, assuring a quick and painless process. In addition to gentle care, topical numbing cream is available. Just ask!

Safe and Effective

When IV sedation is used during treatment, constant monitoring of pulse and oxygen levels is maintained with a "pulse oximeter," which is comfortably clipped to a finger. Every five minutes throughout treatment, this tool takes blood pressure readings. Our Board Certified anesthesiologist is also present for constant monitoring.

Advantages of IV sedation include:

  • Quick, effective and ultimately predictable.
  • Maximum level of sedation possible.
  • Dosage adjusted for custom tailored treatment.
  • Ideal for those who do not want to remember treatment, or those who have phobias related to dental care.
  • Significant reduction of gag reflex.