Sedation

I'm very anxious/nervous about going to the dentist. Do you provide any sedation options?
It is understandable that just the thought of going to the dentist evokes severe anxiety for many people. This can be caused by past experiences that they've had, stories that they've heard from others, fear, or any other issue that elicits the anxiety associated with the dentist. We can provide you with a few different options to alleviate your fears or anxiety.
1. Iatrosedation - Iatrosedation is defined as the act of making calm by the doctor's behavior. Frequently many fears and anxieties can be calmed with simple good old fashion communication. After listening to what causes your fears or anxieties, Dr. Boss can sometimes alter circumstances to accommodate for those eliciting factors. Simply knowing that your doctor understands your individual circumstances can sometimes be enough to soothe your fears.
2. Anxiolysis - This option allows us to prescribe you a medication that you take prior to your treatment appointment. Many patients report that it takes the edge off enough for them to comfortably cope with their dental appointment and it's not uncommon for our patients to nap during their procedure or report that they didn't remember the procedure with this option.
3. Nitrous Oxide - Nitrous oxide is a safe and effective sedative agent that is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a small mask that fits over your nose to help you relax. Nitrous oxide, sometimes called “laughing gas,” is one option we may offer to help make you more comfortable during your root canal procedure. It is not intended to put you to sleep. You will be able to hear and respond to any requests or directions. You breath normally through your nose, and within a few short minutes you should start to feel the effects of the nitrous oxide. You may feel light-headed or a tingling in your arms and legs. Some people say their arms and legs feel heavy. Ultimately, you should feel calm and comfortable. The effects of nitrous oxide wear off soon after the mask is removed.
4. IV Sedation - In some circumstances our patients prefer to be sedated during treatment. In these circumstances we can coordinate with a nurse anesthetist whom we work with to provide IV sedation during your root canal treatment in our office. This allows Dr. Boss to focus on the intricacies of your root canal while a trained professional manages your sedation.
All of these options are available to you and during your evaluation appointment Dr. Boss would be happy to discuss which is best for your particular circumstance. Patients with the following conditions might want to consider these options.
- Severe dental anxiety or dental phobia
- Heavy gag reflex or swallowing issues
- Do not respond well to numbing medications
- Claustrophobia
- Have difficulty controlling movements
- Special needs
- PTSD