Pacific Northwest
Sedation Dentistry
We want you to be as comfortable as possible during your procedure and we never want dental anxiety to keep you from getting the treatment you need. Positive dental experiences can help reduce anxiety over time and we want all of your visits to Optima Dental Spa to make you look forward to the next one. Each of our spas is equipped to provide three levels of safe sedation. Your sedation will be tailored to your specific needs.
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Mild Sedation
If you need only mild sedation we offer nitrous oxide, commonly known as “laughing gas.” There are several benefits to this type of sedation. It is easily administered through a nosepiece, making it available even for our young patients. It allows you to remain awake and alert while feeling relaxed and calm. It strengthens the local anesthetic used to numb the area in preparation for a dental procedure, which enhances your comfort. The effects wear off quickly so you’ll be able to drive home after the appointment. There are no residual effects from this type of sedation.
Moderate
Sedation
For our patients who need something a bit stronger than nitrous oxide, we provide oral conscious sedation. Commonly prescribed anti-anxiety pills will be taken about an hour before your dental appointment. Although you will be awake and able to respond to questions and instructions, you will remain drowsy after the appointment. Our team will monitor your vital signs during your procedure. Because a side effect of the medication is drowsiness, it is essential for you to arrange for transportation to and from your appointment and to rest for the remainder of the day. Some patients do not remember their dental procedures.
Deep Sedation
Most dental offices are not trained to provide this level of sedation but our experienced team at Optima Dental Spa is trained to administer and monitor this anti-anxiety medication intravenously. The results are fast-acting and you won’t feel anything during your treatment. Even though you will experience deep drowsiness, you will not be unconscious. Expect to remain a bit drowsy for the rest of the day. Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you to and from the appointment. Our patients who experience high levels of anxiety or who have an extensive dental procedure are good candidates for IV sedation.
