Sedation Dentistry
Cincinnati, OH
Home › Dental Services › Sedation Dentistry
 Ruther Family Dentistry provides sedation dentistry options that give you a real choice for stress-free dental care. If you are a nervous patient this can help you relax so you can get the treatment you need and put you on the road to oral health. Fear of the dentist is nothing to be embarrassed about. In fact, dental phobia is more common than you would imagine, with as many as 22% of patients admitting to not having visited a dentist in 12 months because they were scared. Fortunately, modern sedation options can make this a thing of the past and you can look forward to pain-free dentistry and treatment that will pass by in the blink of an eye. Many patients feel they have been asleep with sedation dentistry, but most are actually awake yet remember nothing of their treatment because they were totally relaxed.
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
Before you are offered sedation dentistry, it is imperative to inform us of any issues that may present adverse side-effects, such as any medications you are taking and what health conditions you have. However, the sedation options used in dental treatments are typically exceptionally safe.
What Are the Sedation Options?
Although sedation dentistry is often referred to as sleep dentistry, or conscious sedation, not all of the options will put you to sleep. The option you are offered will depend on how anxious you are and what treatment you require.
Minimal Sedation
Minimal sedation is usually administered via a mask that is placed over your nose. It is a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide and is the mildest form of sedation that wears off quickly once the mask is removed. Unlike other sedation options, after this form of sedation, you will be able to drive yourself home. Another form of minimal sedation is oral sedation, usually given in pill form, from the Valium family. You will not be able to drive yourself home after this as you will still be drowsy until the effects of the pill have worn off, which may be several hours.
Moderate Sedation
This form of sedation is conscious sedation. It is typically administered as a larger dose of Valium and is the most common of the sedation options. Although some patients do fall asleep, they can be woken up to follow instructions.
Deep Sedation/General Anesthesia
This form of sedation is the deepest and is administered intravenously, also referred to as IV sedation. You will be rendered unconscious and will not be allowed to go home until you have woken up after the effects of the medication have dissipated. Most patients do not need deep sedation, as it presents higher levels of risk with treatment. For patients who do need deep sedation, we will coordinate referrals for care. For 95%+ of patients, minimal to moderate sedation with nitrous oxide “laughing gas”, or pill medications are enough to ease any anxiety.
Is Sedation Dentistry a Good Option for Me?
Sedation dentistry is a great option for patients who are fearful of undergoing treatment, enabling them to get the treatment they need without having to cope with anxiety. It is also a good option for patients who are not unduly worried about dental procedures, but who may feel more comfortable about undergoing a lengthy procedure, such as a dental implant or root canal procedure. Don't hesitate to get in touch with us at Ruther Family Dentistry to find out more about the sedation options we offer. Give our office a call at (513) 489-5599 and speak to one of our team members for further information. |
