Stay calm with
Sedation Dentistry
For patients who are nervous about going to the dentist or having a specific procedure performed, offers a range of sedation options. Dental sedation is a common practice and is perfectly safe for most patients. If you've been avoiding a trip to the dentist because of anxiety, this is the option for you.
Understanding
Nitrous Oxide
The use of nitrous oxide has been commonplace in dentistry for many years. Often referred to as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide produces a short-term sedative effect when inhaled. If you’re feeling anxious about a procedure, Dr. Skutak can administer nitrous oxide to you through a nasal mask during treatment at our Rothschild office. The laughing gas effects will become apparent quickly. You will be conscious and able to respond, but you’ll feel calm and relaxed. The effects can be reversed quickly, so you’ll be able to drive yourself home if you’d like.
Understanding
Oral Sedation
Oral conscious sedation is a sedative that comes in pill form. Dr. Skutak will give you a prescription to take an hour before your appointment. It is similar to nitrous sedation in its effects. When taken properly, you will feel calm and relaxed during your treatment. However, because the effects cannot be immediately reversed in-office, you will need to find a ride to and from your appointment. The effects should fade within a few hours of taking the prescription.
How Do I Prepare
For Sedation
Preparing for sedation with nitrous oxide (laughing gas) doesn’t require you to do anything special, beyond consulting with Dr. Skutak to discuss your medical history, prescription medications you’re taking, and any history of past drug use.
Then, just dress comfortably and come to our office in Rothschild for your appointment. You don’t need to worry about making transportation arrangements, since laughing gas wears off within 5 minutes. This means you can drive yourself home or even go back to work after your appointment.
However, you will need to take some additional steps to prepare for oral conscious sedation. Beyond discussing your health with Dr. Skutak, you will usually need to avoid eating for about 6 hours before your procedure. Drinking water and other clear liquids is okay, but eating can interfere with the proper digestion of your sedative.
In addition, you will not be able to drive yourself back home, or be able to go back to work immediately. It will often take up to 4-6 hours or longer for your sedative to wear off completely, and you cannot operate a vehicle during this time.
Because of this, we require you to come to our office with a responsible adult, into whose care you can be released after your appointment. Make sure you make the necessary arrangements. If you do not have someone with you to drive you home after your appointment, you cannot be sedated with oral conscious sedation.
How Long Do the Effects
Of Sedation Last
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) sedation lasts only about 5 minutes after the flow of gas is discontinued. Once your procedure ends, Dr. Skutak will deliver pure oxygen to your lungs through your nose mask, which flushes out the remaining nitrous oxide gas.
Normally, there are very few side effects. You may feel a bit dizzy, nauseated, or confused, and headaches are relatively common. However, these effects will wear off quite quickly, so you can get back to your day-to-day routine.
The effects of oral conscious sedation are more intense and last longer after your appointment. You may feel nauseated, groggy, and have slow reflexes, and you may also feel confused and dizzy.
The effects of this method of sedation can typically peak within 1-2 hours, but can easily last 4-6 hours or longer depending on your weight, age, gender, metabolism, and other factors.
This is why you should not drive for the rest of the day after being sedated with oral conscious sedation. You may feel like you have recovered, but your reflexes and ability to operate a vehicle may still be impaired, even hours after your treatment.
Is Sedation dentistry
Safe?
Sedation dentistry is completely safe. Both nitrous oxide sedation and oral conscious sedation can be used for patients of any age, and have no serious side effects or complications associated with their use.
In addition, at Skutak Dental, Dr. Lisa Skutak will discuss your medical history and any potential risks of sedation with you before your appointment to ensure that you’re a good candidate for sedation. Together, you can determine which method of sedation is right for your needs.
Book an appointment at
Skutak Dental
Dr. Skutak believes in comfortable dental care for all. If you need sedation options from a trustworthy dentist, contact us at (715) 355-4433 to book an appointment, contact us online, or stop by at 700 Eagle Nest Boulevard, Suite E, Rothschild, WI 54474.
