Sedation Dentistry

We offer several methods of sedation in our office to allow the patient to have the most comfortable dental experience possible. The method of sedation that is chosen for or by a patient depends upon the nature of the surgical procedure and the patient's level of apprehension.

When it comes to anesthesia, our first priority is the patient's comfort and safety. Dr. Chowning has completed a 6 month residency program certifying him to administer several types of sedation and is also certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS).   If you have any concerns regarding the type of anesthesia that will be administered during your oral surgery procedure, please do not hesitate to discuss your concerns with your Dr. Chowning at the time of your consultation.

Intravenous Sedation ("Twilight Sedation")

Our office offers our patients the option of Intravenous Sedation or Dental Intravenous Anesthesia or to some it is referred to as "Twilight Sedation" for their dental treatment. Intravenous Sedation or "twilight sleep" helps you to be comfortable and calm when undergoing dental procedures. Your treatment can be completed under intravenous sedation. Intravenous sedation or “IV sedation” (twilight sedation) is designed to better enable you to undergo your dental procedures while you are very relaxed; it will enable you to tolerate as well as not remember those procedures that may be very uncomfortable for you. IV sedation will essentially help alleviate the anxiety associated with your treatment. You may not always be asleep but you will be comfortable, calm and relaxed, drifting in and out of sleep – a “twilight sleep”.

If you choose the option of intravenous sedation your IV sedation/anesthesia is administered and monitored by Dr. Chowning therefore eliminating the costly expense of having your treatment carried out in an operating room or same day surgical facility.

The goal of IV sedation is to use as little medication as possible to get the treatment completed. It is very safe, much safer than oral sedation because your level of sedation can be titrated or adjusted quite easily. With IV sedation a constant “drip” is maintained via the intravenous tube. At any time an antidote can be administered to reverse the effects of the medications if necessary.

Oral Sedation

For oral sedation, patients take prescribed oral medication prior to treatment, leaving them relaxed and extremely comfortable. Our dental team monitors your vital signs throughout the entire appointment. You will still be awake enough to respond to the doctor, but will be much more comfortable for treatment. Prior to your visit we will review the specific instructions for you to follow before and after your oral sedation appointment.

Sedation dramatically reduces the body’s natural tendency to tense muscles while stressed, helping you to feel relaxed and at ease. Dental anesthetics are more effective while the body is relaxed, eliminating most of your concerns about discomfort during treatment.

Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas)

Nitrous Oxide is a sweet-smelling, non-irritating, colorless gas which you can breathe. It has been the primary means of sedation in dentistry for many years. Nitrous oxide is safe, the patient receives 50-70% oxygen with no less than 30% nitrous oxide.
 
The patient is able to breathe on their own and remain in control of all bodily functions.
 
The patient may experience very mild amnesia and the nitrous is easily titrated or adjusted to each patients comfort level.