Sedation is a great option to help our patients be more comfortable during their dental procedures without needing to be under general anesthesia. Sedation provides pain relief and helps you feel more relaxed overall. There are a few different types of sedatives that we can use, such as nitrous oxide, oral sedatives, and intravenous (IV) sedatives. Our dentist will discuss the best choice for and give you further instructions on preparing for your procedure as well as recovery.

How It Works

The procedures for each type of sedation vary slightly, but they are all quite simple. Nitrous oxide is a gas that acts quickly and wears off very shortly after your procedure. You inhale this gas through a small mask that is placed over your nose. Our dentist will administer this gas before and during the procedure as needed. Oral sedatives are prescription medications that you take before your procedure. Our dentist will give you more specific instructions on taking these, but you usually take them about an hour before the procedure. These may make you feel tired following the procedure. IV sedatives are less common and are much more similar to general anesthesia than the other two types of sedatives. These can also be administered throughout the procedure and may make you tired or groggy.

Self-Care Instructions

Our dentist will explain how each of these sedatives works in detail when you schedule your appointment. Instructions may include avoiding food and drinks for a certain amount of time before and after the procedure, having someone drive you home, and resting upon arriving home. Our dentist will also explain symptoms that you may feel as a result of these sedatives, such as sleepiness. However, these symptoms are all very manageable and wear off relatively shortly following any dental procedure. Call us for more information about sedation.

Contact Our Offices

Milwaukie: (503) 855-0465
Oregon City: (503) 765-7185
Mobile Dental Clinic: (503) 653-9334