Sedation Dentistry

How can sedation dentistry improve my dental experience?

Dental phobias are very real. For some people, the fear or anxiety of visiting the dentist is overwhelming and can prevent them from getting the dental care they need.

Even if you don't have a diagnosed dental phobia, certain procedures can still be uncomfortable or stressful. With sedation dentistry, your Advanced Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry dentist can ease those feelings using safe, medically supervised sedatives. By calming your worries, sedation dentistry allows your dentist to give your mouth the care it needs, while making the whole experience genuinely more comfortable.

What sedation options do you offer?

Advanced Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry offers several sedation options, tailored to your needs and the procedure being performed:

Laughing gas
Laughing gas, or nitrous oxide, is one of the oldest forms of sedation dentistry. It's a gas you inhale through a flexible mask placed over your nose, worn throughout the procedure, that puts you in a state of deep relaxation. Some patients even get a case of the giggles, hence the name. Afterward, your dentist flushes the gas from your system with pure oxygen. The effects wear off quickly, and you'll feel back to normal by the time you leave.

Conscious oral sedation
With conscious oral sedation, your dentist prescribes an anti-anxiety pill to take before your appointment. It minimizes activity in the part of your brain responsible for fear and anxiety, leaving you relaxed but awake and able to communicate throughout treatment.

IV sedation
For patients with significant anxiety, or those undergoing more involved procedures, IV sedation offers a deeper level of relaxation. As Dr. Castracane explains, it's "an amazing way to have dentistry done," especially for phobic or anxious patients who want to get comfortable, complete their treatment, and move on with their day.

Is sedation dentistry right for me?

Sedation dentistry is an excellent choice if you want relief from dental anxiety, or if you're facing a procedure that would otherwise feel overwhelming. If you're interested, the Advanced Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry team will perform a thorough health assessment to determine which sedation method is best suited for you.

What happens after IV sedation — can I drive myself home?

No. You'll need someone to escort you home after IV sedation. The medication takes several hours to wear off, and it can take up to 24 hours to fully clear your system, so plan to have a friend or family member drive you and avoid making important decisions or operating machinery for the rest of the day.

How experienced is AICD with IV sedation?

AICD has offered IV sedation since the practice was founded. Dr. Castracane has held his IV sedation license since 2014, bringing over a decade of experience administering it safely for anxious and phobic patients.

Is IV sedation right for everyone?

IV sedation isn't appropriate for every patient. It's generally contraindicated for people with certain heart or respiratory conditions, so our team reviews your full medical history before recommending it. 

What's monitored during IV sedation?

Your safety is closely tracked throughout the procedure, including:

• Blood pressure
• Heart rate and rhythm
• Oxygen saturation
• Your overall comfort

This continuous monitoring is part of what makes IV sedation a safe option for even the most anxious patients.

Get started today by calling the office or using the online tool to book a visit.