Sedation Options At Oral Solutions NW, your comfort is one of our top priorities. Because we specialize in oral surgery, many of our procedures require the use of local anesthetic and sedation, both of which reduce or eliminate pain. Sedation dentistry is particularly beneficial for patients with significant anxiety or fears related to dental procedures. We offer several sedation options, from nitrous oxide to general anesthesia, to ensure our patients have the best possible experience.When Is Sedation Necessary?Sedation medications are designed to keep you more relaxed during your appointment or oral surgery. The level of sedation we recommend depends on the type of procedure. For short or minimally-invasive treatments, we may suggest nitrous oxide or oral sedation. For lengthy or complex surgeries, IV sedation or general anesthesia is often the best option. To ensure your safety, Dr. Jeffrey Crowley will perform a brief exam and review your medical history before administering any sedation. Your overall health, including any physical or mental conditions, may dictate which sedation option we suggest. We may need to get clearance from your general physician if you suffer from cardiac disease, hypertension, diabetes, or certain respiratory illnesses. Nitrous OxideNitrous oxide commonly referred to as “laughing gas,” is one of the most common forms of sedation in dentistry. The gas, which we administer through a mask that is placed over your nose, produces feelings of relaxation and even euphoria. We also administer oxygen simultaneously to reduce your chances of experiencing any adverse side-effects. Nitrous oxide is extremely common due to its safety and effectiveness. The gas also allows us to easily control your level of sedation within a matter of seconds. Because it wears off almost instantly, it is one of the only sedation options that does not require you to arrange a ride to and from our office. Oral SedationOral, or enteral sedation, typically comes in the form of a pill or liquid. The most common medications for oral sedation include Diazepam, Triazolam, Zaleplon, and Lorazepam. Like nitrous oxide, oral sedation will keep you alert and awake, but in a more relaxed state. In some instances, we may even recommend using a combination of both oral sedation and nitrous oxide. IV SedationIntravenous (IV) sedation, as you can probably guess, involves administering a sedative drug through a vein in your arm. IV sedation is common for longer, more extensive procedures and surgeries. This technique allows us to place you in a deep state of sedation, a “twilight state,” somewhere between consciousness and sleep. Most people who undergo IV sedation are still able to respond to stimulus during their procedure. However, most people also have little or no recollection of the procedure after the sedative wears off. Because the medications used in IV sedation are powerful, you should be prepared to take the rest of the day off after your surgery. General AnesthesiaGeneral anesthesia places you in a completely unconscious state. While we are qualified to administer other forms of sedation, general anesthesia often requires the assistance of licensed anesthesiologist. For this reason, general anesthesia typically is reserved for special circumstances. Schedule a ConsultationIf you would like to learn more about our services, including sedation options, our team is happy to help. Call (971) 447-0164 to schedule your consultation now! |
 Phone(971) 447-0164 Office HoursMon - 7:00am-5:00pm Tue - 7:00am-5:00pm Wed - 8:00am-5:00pm Thu - 7:00am-5:00pm Fri - 7:00am - 12:00pm |
