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North Haven Sedation Dentist

North Haven Sedation Dentist

At Nova Dental, our team of providers realizes how frightening it can be for some patients to visit the dentist. We “cater to cowards” and see many anxious patients, and we know how to take care of them. We understand that when you’re anxious, you feel pain more acutely. For very fearful patients, the only way to prevent pain during dental work is to treat the anxiety. That’s where sedation dentistry can help.

North Haven Sedation Dentist
North Haven Sedation Dentist

Sedation dentistry is safe for healthy patients. When you’re sedated, you’ll still be conscious and able to respond when the dentist asks you questions. However, you probably won’t remember your appointment afterward. The sedatives we use don’t interfere with your circulation or your breathing.

Sedation is also suitable for patients who:

  • Are afraid of needles
  • Have a strong gag reflex
  • Need lengthy dental procedures

For some treatments, sedation is particularly helpful for any patient:

  • Wisdom tooth extraction
  • Implant surgery
  • Many tooth extractions at the same time

Oral Sedation Dentistry

If you require oral sedation, you will need someone to bring you to the appointment. That’s because you’ll take a sedative pill at home before you come to the office, ensuring it will fully take effect before the dentist begins. You will also need someone to bring you home after the appointment, as it will be several hours before you can drive.

The oral sedative will make you feel calm and indifferent to your dental treatment, and it may produce feelings of euphoria. While you will be conscious and able to respond to requests, it will seem to you like you’re asleep and you will be unlikely to remember anything that happened during your appointment. We will monitor your blood oxygen during the appointment for additional safety.

Sedation with Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide is given as a mixture of a sedative gas and oxygen. During your treatment, you’ll wear a small mask fitted over your nose. The mask will blow nitrous oxide for you to breathe. Usually, your dentist will start with minimal nitrous oxide and increase the concentration until you are adequately calm and relaxed. While you’re breathing in the nitrous oxide, you might feel a mild sense of bliss. Nitrous oxide not only can eliminate the anxiety, but it strengthens the novocain, so it is excellent for patients who have had trouble getting numb.

We will administer a small amount of pure oxygen through your nitrous oxide mask when your dental treatment is done. That will clear the remaining sedative from your system quickly, and you will be able to drive home or continue with your day.

IV Sedation

This is our strongest level of sedation. If you require IV sedation, you will receive the sedative medication through a needle inserted in your arm. If you are extremely anxious, IV sedation may be best for you.

Our oral surgeon, Dr. Abunasra, is licensed by the state of Connecticut to provide conscious IV sedation during dental procedures. If you require IV sedation, you will be carefully monitored for safety.

To make a sedation dentistry appointment with North Haven Sedation Dentist at Nova Dental, please call 203-234-3900. You can also request an appointment by filling out this form.