Sedation Dentistry in Bedford, NH

Sedation dentistry is the practice of administering medications to help patients relax during dental procedures. With sedation dentistry, anxious patients and those sensitive to the different aspects of an appointment can feel at ease in the oral surgeon's office.

Sedation is available on multiple levels to accommodate patients with various needs. Braasch Oral Surgery offers light nitrous oxide sedation and deep IV sedation.

Relieves Anxiety

One of the significant benefits of sedation dentistry is that it makes anxious and phobic patients feel safe in the dentist's office. These patients sometimes neglect their oral health out of fear and avoidance and may present with more serious dental complications. When patients know they will receive appropriate sedation, they will not worry as much about the procedure in advance and will be more likely to keep the appointment.

Makes Procedures Safer

Since sedated patients feel calm and relaxed, they will not be as likely to move during procedures. This benefit lessens the already slim chances of surgical complications.

Fit More Treatments into One Appointment

Sedating medications makes appointments seem shorter. Patients who may typically have difficulty sitting still for an extended time can relax during long appointments, combining procedures and allowing the oral surgeon to work more efficiently.

Helps With Strong Gag Reflexes

Sedation dentistry may help you feel better during your appointment if you have a strong gag reflex.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide is an inhaled medication that helps patients feel calm and relaxed. Mixed with oxygen and breathed through the nose, nitrous oxide brings patients a feeling of relaxation. Patients may comment that their arms and legs feel heavy.

One of the best aspects of nitrous oxide is that it wears off in mere minutes. After a minor procedure like tooth extraction, the patient can easily drive home to relax. Nitrous oxide is also affordable and accessible to all ages.

IV Deep Sedation / General Anesthesia

Deep sedation is appropriate for patients who want to feel as if they had been asleep during the procedure. It is excellent for more lengthy procedures or those that may become uncomfortable without sedation, such as removing impacted wisdom teeth.

With deep IV sedation, the patient must follow all pre-operative instructions. They must have a responsible adult take them to the appointment, drive them home, and ensure they are safe.

If you have any general fears regarding oral surgery or dental work, you may be more comfortable with sedation. However, not all patients are appropriate candidates for the medication. These groups may want to talk to their primary care doctor and oral surgeon before proceeding:

• Pregnant women
• Nursing mothers
• Allergy to Benzodiazepines
• Severely overweight people (BMI > 35)
• Chronic respiratory disease

Sedation dentistry is safe in a controlled environment. We carefully monitor your vital signs to ensure you are doing well during your procedure. If you have safety concerns, we can answer any questions.

Some, but not all, insurance plans cover sedation dentistry. Contact our office and your insurance company if you have specific concerns.

If you have nitrous oxide, you can go about your normal activities while closely following post-operative instructions. If you have IV sedation, you will need to rest for at least the rest of the day and possibly the next day.

With IV sedation, you will not feel anything. With nitrous oxide sedation, if you feel anything, it should be mild, but you will be aware enough to notify your surgeon and assistant.