Sedation Dentistry – Bloomfield, CT

Breeze Through Your Dental Appointments

Woman relaxing during sedation dentistry visit

Between 30 and 40 million people in the U.S. avoid the dentist due to fear. At Family Dental Practice of Bloomfield, we want to help even our most anxious patients relax during any dental visit. Sedation dentistry has helped many people who fear the dentist get the oral health care they need. In addition to helping patients with dental anxiety, sedation can also help people with a sensitive gag reflex, who need complex procedures, and who have very sensitive teeth or gums. Our dental office offers three levels of sedation dentistry in Bloomfield, CT: nitrous oxide, oral conscious, and IV dental sedation.

Why Choose Family Dental Practice of Bloomfield for Sedation Dentistry?

  • Multiple Sedation Options Available
  • Safety Is a Top Priority
  • Stay Relaxed Even During Major Treatments

Nitrous Oxide Sedation

Nitrous oxide in Bloomfield, often referred to as laughing gas, is an inhaled sedative. Patients breathe in a controlled amount of nitrous oxide during their procedure, which relaxes those who are anxious and helps to reduce pain. Some patients prefer nitrous oxide to other sedatives because the effects wear off more quickly, and most people are back to normal within an hour. Nitrous oxide is a conscious sedation, which means you will likely be awake throughout the procedure, although some patients do fall asleep.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?

Male patient relaxing while wearing nitrous oxide nose mask

Nitrous oxide can help a wide range of patients, including those who:

  • Are nervous about getting injections (nitrous oxide is inhaled, so no needles are necessary to administer it)
  • Have a strong gag reflex
  • Find it difficult to sit still
  • Are not easily numbed

Although nitrous oxide is a good fit for most patients who require sedation, there are some people for whom it is not recommended. For example, because it can present some risks to a developing fetus, it is not typically used for pregnant women. Certain respiratory conditions can also be contraindications for nitrous oxide.

How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?

Close-up of black control dials on nitrous oxide machine

At the beginning of your appointment, we will fit you with a nose mask, which will be connected to the machine that contains nitrous oxide. We use valves to release the gas into your nose mask. As soon as you begin to breathe in the nitrous oxide, you are likely to start feeling a sense of lightness, happiness, and well-being. Some patients even remark that they feel like they are floating. After the procedure, the nitrous oxide wears off almost as quickly as it took effect, so you can expect to be alert enough to drive yourself home.

Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide

Dental patient relaxing after treatment with nitrous oxide sedation

Even though the effects of nitrous oxide wear off quickly, your sedation dentist will still request that you wait in our office for a few minutes before you leave. This allows our team to monitor you and assure that you are not having any severe reactions or side effects from the gas (this is rare). Once we are sure that you are alert enough to get behind the wheel of a car, you will be free to go.

Nitrous oxide should not stop you from resuming your normal activities immediately after your appointment. However, depending on the nature of the procedure you underwent, it may be wise to take some time at home to relax.

Oral Conscious Dental Sedation

Woman taking oral conscious dental sedation pill

Oral conscious sedation is unique because it can be administered before you ever leave home. This is ideal for patients who have severe dental anxiety. Your dentist will prescribe a medicinal sedative that is taken at home before your appointment, or as soon as you arrive at our dental office. Oral sedation relaxes patients a bit more than nitrous oxide. While most remain awake during the procedure, almost all patients claim they do not remember their visit. Medicinal sedatives affect everyone differently, but most patients are fully functional within 12 hours.

IV Dental Sedation

I V dental sedation drip

Intravenous anesthesia sedation is the deepest form of sedation offered at Family Dental Practice of Bloomfield. Still only considered a moderate level of sedation, some patients sleep through the procedure while others remain awake. It is rare that a patient will remember any part of the procedure after receiving IV sedation. Even though IV sedatives offer a much deeper level of sedation, patients are usually still able to return to their normal activities within 12 – 24 hours.