Oral Sedation

Oral sedation combines gas sedation (nitrous oxide) with a pill form of a ‘valium’-like sedative called Halcion. This combination provides a very drowsy sleep state that is accompanied by a lack of memory of the procedure or appointment. This can be very effective for many people to provide a comfortable, uneventful, and often ‘unmemorable’ dental appointment that allows several different procedures or needs met in one longer visit.

If you feel you’d like more than just pill or gas sedation, IV sedation is also available, which is where sedation drugs are administered via an intravenous drip. The advantages of IV sedation are in the amount of control and flexibility that the administrator has over diminishing pain or uncomfortableness on-demand. If you are phobic or afraid of the dentist, fear no more. We are Calming Fears…Creating Smiles.

How long does it take for sedation pills to work?

Normally the pill is taken shortly before the appointment to ensure it’s full effect when the procedure occurs.

Why is “laughing gas” needed in addition to the Halcion pill?

Halcion is a benzodiazepine-type medication that reduces fear, while the nitrous oxide in laughing gas helps you to forget your appointment.

What if I don’t want to experience any pain at all? Is that possible?

We strive for you to have a pain-free experience and there are two ways we accomplish that goal. The first way is through offering sedation dentistry procedures that let you sleep through and/or forget your appointment. And the second is through using advanced dental technologies such as laser and micro-dentistry that are pain-free. Read more about our pain-free procedures: laser dentistry and micro air abrasion technology.

Ready to get started? Call 317-882-0228 or check out gas and IV sedation options.