Sedation Endodontics

Whether you have anxiety about going to the dentist or a full-blown phobia, if your apprehension is interfering with your ability to care for your teeth, sedation dentistry may be the answer. The compassionate team at Lakeside Endodontics offer a range of sedation dentistry options at their offices in Succasunna and Parsippany, New Jersey. Call or schedule an appointment online today to learn more about your sedation dentistry options.

What is sedation dentistry?

Many people are uncomfortable with going to the dentist, and for some people, it can even be a fully realized phobia. But with sedation dentistry, you can get the dental care you need while remaining as comfortable as possible.

Sedation dentistry helps you through dental procedures with the use of anesthetics and similar medication. 

What types of sedation are available?

The sedation your dentist at Lakeside Endodontics recommends depends on the procedure being performed and other factors. Types of sedation include:

  • Minimal sedation: you’re awake but more relaxed
  • Moderate sedation: once called conscious sedation, this is where you’re still awake and responsive but may not remember much of the procedure afterward
  • Deep sedation: you’ll be right on the edge of consciousness, but can still be easily awakened
  • General anesthetic: you’re fully unconscious; this is used for many surgeries

Talk to your endodontist about which level of sedation is right for you before your procedure and they’ll help you figure out what is the best option to ensure your optimal safety and comfort.

How will I be sedated before my dental procedure?

There are several techniques that your dentist at Lakeside Endodontics can use for sedation, including:

Inhaled minimal sedation

After breathing nitrous oxide or “laughing gas,” you’ll feel relaxed and calm until your dentist turns off the gas. This is the mildest form of sedation, and there’s even a chance you can drive yourself home from the office afterward.

Oral sedation

You’ll take a sedative in pill form that makes you calm and a little drowsy, but you’ll still most likely be awake or only lightly sleeping. This is the most common form of sedation dentistry today.

IV moderate sedation

You receive the medication intravenously straight into your veins, which provides the sedative effects almost immediately and allows your dentist to adjust the strength of sedation as needed while they work.  For these procedures we work with a board certified anesthesiologist who will administer the anesthesia and monitor the patient throughout the procedure and the recovery. This allows us to concentrate completely on your procedure. 

Deep sedation or general anesthesia

With these, you’ll receive a medication intravenously that makes you fall completely asleep. You won’t feel or be aware of anything during the entire procedure.  For these procedures we work with a board certified anesthesiologist who will administer the anesthesia and monitor the patient throughout the procedure and the recovery. This allows us to concentrate completely on your procedure. 

Regardless of which sedation you receive, your dentist will also likely administer a local anesthetic or numbing agent at the treatment site to help with the pain. This includes everything from a topical gel to NovocainⓇ shot.

If you’re interested in sedation dentistry or have any questions, call Lakeside Endodontics or schedule an appointment online today.