Bend Family Dentistry - Bend, OR

Sedation Learning Center

Free Sedation Consultation*

*New patients only.

We have put together this comprehensive learning center for those patients who want to learn more about sedation dentistry and how it works. We hope these questions and answers will help you make an educated decision about your dentistry needs.

If you struggle with the thought of going to the dentist, you are not alone. A lot of people are nervous about stepping foot into a dentist office. For those of you who avoid going to the dentist, sedation dentistry may be a great option for you.

Sedation dentistry uses prescription medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. It is sometimes referred to as “sleep dentistry,” although that is not entirely true. Patients are not completely unconscious; many patients tend to be so relaxed they may take a nap through their dental appointment.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation – During your procedure you breathe nitrous oxide, also known as “laughing gas,” combined with oxygen through a mask that is placed over your nose. The gas helps you relax. Your dentist can control the amount of sedation you receive and the gas tends to wear off quickly. This is the only form of sedation where you may be able to drive yourself home after the procedure.

 

Oral Sedation – Depending on the total dose given, oral sedation can range from minimal to moderate sedation. For minimal sedation, you take a pill. The pill will make you drowsy, although you will still be awake. A larger dose may be given to produce moderate sedation. This is the most common type of anesthesia associated with sedation dentistry. Some people become groggy enough from moderate oral sedation to actually fall asleep during the procedure. Patients can usually be awakened with a gentle shake.

 

IV Sedation – You will receive the sedative through a vein in your hand or arm, so it goes to work more quickly. IV sedation allows the dentist to continually adjust the level of sedation. This method is especially beneficial when sitting through more than one treatment or if you have a strong gag reflex.

Sedation dentistry can be used for any type of treatment from cleanings to fillings, and of course more complex procedures. It is especially useful for people who cannot sit for long periods of time, for people with special needs and for those who suffer with dental fear and anxiety.

  • Anxiety is alleviated
  • Few side effects
  • More can be accomplished during each visit
  • Perfectly safe
  • Procedures seem to take less time

If you are a new patient and would like to take advantage of our free consultation, please call today to schedule your appointment.

Feel free to call our office to discuss any further questions or concerns you may have regarding sedation dentistry. We are here to serve you and provide you with quality dental care.

Interested?

Give our office a call or fill out the form!

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What Others Are Saying

I've had an excellent experience with Bend Family Dentistry - Third Street. I switched to Bend Family Dentistry - Third Street after leaving my previous dental office that I was at for 12 years. Best decision ever! Took my daughter there for an extraction of a baby tooth and was incredibly pleased with how she was treated as well. Excellent customer service from everyone there.
Marci H.
Very pleased with my cleanings and exams at Bend Family Dentistry - Third Street. I've been seeing Tiana for years now and don't ever want to see anyone else. She is thorough, gentle and always makes me feel at ease. I will continue to refer friends and clients to Bend Family Dentistry - Third Street.
Alyson B.
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