Sedation Options for Dental Implants

Many patients have had traumatic experiences in dentistry or have other anxieties about their treatment. At Dental Implants Solutions Northwest, Dr. John A Hodges, DDS strives to meet your individual comfort needs. For our patients with anxiety, sedation dentistry may be the answer. We offer local anesthetic, nitrous oxide, IV sedation, IV conscious sedation, and oral (conscious) sedation, as options for our patients.

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation dentistry allows Dr. John A Hodges, DDS to create a safe and comfortable dental experience for patients who avoid the dentist out of fear. With sedation, Dr. Hodges can work more effectively by helping you become as comfortable as possible, using well established and proven methods. There are a variety of sedation medications that are taken orally or "sublingually" (under the tongue). All sedation medicines are administered at our offices, under the care of a professional. For the most complex cases we work with a team of local anesthesiologists. This type of dental care does require that you have a driver to bring you home from your appointment, as it takes several hours for the medication to completely wear off. For more information about oral sedation at Dental Implants Solutions Northwest, please contact our office today!

Local Anesthesia

Local anesthetic allows you to remain conscious during the dental surgery. An anesthetic (such as lidocaine) is injected in and around the surgery area. Local anesthetic is used alongside all other forms of anesthesia during every oral surgery procedure.

Simple, minimally invasive procedures – such as most tooth extractions – can be done with local anesthetic alone. You may even choose to have us remove your wisdom teeth with local anesthetic. However, most patients opt to be sedated as well.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide is a safe and effective sedative agent that will help you relax. It is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a small mask that fits over your nose.

Nitrous oxide, sometimes called "laughing gas," is one option we may offer to help make you more comfortable during certain procedures. It is not intended to put you to sleep. You will be able to hear and respond to any requests or directions we may have. Dr. Hodges will ask you to breathe normally through your nose, and within a few short minutes, you should start to feel the effects of the nitrous oxide. You may feel light-headed or a tingling in your arms and legs. Some people say their arms and legs feel heavy. Ultimately, you should feel calm and comfortable. The effects of nitrous oxide wear off soon after the mask is removed. Talk to us about whether nitrous oxide would be a good option for you at your next appointment.

IV Sedation

IV sedation puts you in a relaxed state of mind but does not put you to sleep. You will remain awake and be able to respond to any requests the doctor may have while you are sedated. Patients often experience partial or total amnesia for the full period of sedation. That is to say, you will not remember most of (or sometimes all of) the procedure. Meanwhile the drugs we use will give you a very pleasant feeling of euphoria.