Sedation Dentistry
Dental Sedation Means Better Care
Oral Sedation
Dental sedation is a range of medications that prevent patients from experiencing discomfort, either through numbing a small area, treating the symptoms of anxiety, or inducing temporary unconsciousness while the procedure is performed. The most common type is oral sedation with a local anesthetic, which numbs the necessary treatment area while allowing the patient to stay conscious. This results in a pain-free and comfortable experience for the patient.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide or “laughing gas” is an inhalant used to ease symptoms of anxiety and help patients feel comfortable and relaxed while still conscious. Nitrous oxide is used in combination with a local anesthetic for patients who struggle with dental anxiety. It has no long-term side effects and has consistent positive results for our patients.
IV Sedation
The highest level of sedation is known as IV Sedation and renders the patients completely unconscious during treatment. IV sedation is used for extensive procedures or for patients whose anxiety or discomfort tolerance requires them to be unconscious and is administered by a trained professional in a properly equipped facility. Dr. Christopher Filler and Blue Sky have teamed up to provide this valuable service to our patients.
Blue Sky Anesthesia
IV sedation dentistry and oral sedation dentistry require years of professional experience and advanced certification to properly administer—and Windham Family Dentistry is happy to provide both through our partnership with Blue Sky Anesthesia!
Blue Sky Anesthesia is an independent medical organization dedicated to providing hospital-grade anesthesia to patients everywhere. Founded and operated by licensed nurse anesthesiologists, Blue Sky is prepared to provide the type and level of anesthesia tailored to your exact preferences and medical requirements. With Blue Sky and Windham Family Dentistry, you can get the care you need in a relaxed and perfectly pain-free environment. Learn more here!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Sedation
Will I Experience Nausea After Treatment?
The medication that you are given while sedated helps prevent nausea for a few hours after you leave the office. You may experience mild nausea after the medication wears off, but it should quickly and without any complications.
Where Do You Typically Insert the IV? Will It Hurt?
The IV is placed in either arm if you are an adult patient, but pediatric patients may require the IV to be placed in the foot for better access to the circulatory system. Before the IV is placed numbing medicine is used to decrease the discomfort of the IV placement.
Can I Eat or Drink Prior to the Procedure or After the Procedure?
You should not have anything to eat or drink after midnight the night before your sedation is scheduled. Before you are discharged from the office you must be able to drink a small amount of water. You should check with your dentist about your diet after your procedure.
Can I Drive Myself?
On the day of your procedure, you must be accompanied by an adult capable of driving you home. You should not operate any machinery, use any sharp objects, sign any legal papers or make important decisions that require the full use of your faculties as the medication may impair your judgment for up to 24 hours.
Will I Feel Any Pain?
No. The goal of any anesthesia is to prevent the patient from feeling any pain during treatment. During the procedure, we give you medication through the IV to render you unconscious, eliminating any pain, inflammation, and nausea for approximately four or more hours after you leave the office.
Are There Any Possible Complications?
Every medical procedure carries certain risks, but anesthesia is extremely safe. You are more likely to get into a motor vehicle crash while driving than have a complication with the sedation! Before your sedation, you will read and sign an anesthesia consent that reviews any possible complications, remote as they are, for your consideration.
How Long Will My Procedure Take?
The length of time it will take is determined by the dentist, but within 15 min after the procedure is finished you will regain consciousness but will continue to feel groggy for a short time.
Learn About Windham Family Dentistry
in the Words of Our Patients!
“Wonderful dentist! On-time, professional, personal, and very thorough and gentle. I felt very comfortable and confident with their recommendations and procedures! Highly recommend”
Pamela Lalmond
“Best Dentist I’ve ever been to, the Dr. Chris and the whole staff are so polite and professional. I wish I found this dentist sooner. So happy!”
Vern Gable
“Dr. Chris and staff are extremely professional, caring, and compassionate people. I had a real fear of dentists prior to going to their office, I have now been a patient for 3+ years. I am so happy that I found them. They could not more accommodating and understanding. Highly recommend this office!”
Jen Briere
“Dr. Chris and the Staff are wonderful, highly recommend especially if you fear going to a dentist. They really listen to your concerns and make you feel at ease”
Christine Goucher
“This was my third visit to Windham Family Dental and it was exceptional.
Everyone is very pleasant, professional, and caring.
I highly recommend them.”
Karen Kasper
“Windham Family Dentistry office is amazing! They are always courteous and friendly. I feel like family when I walk in there. I moved to Massachusetts and I still make the drive to come here because it’s the only place I trust with my dental hygiene!”
Tia Floyd
“Excellent dental practice, professional, competent, and caring providers. Highly recommended!”
Anne Young
“Just had the best dental experience at my new dentist! I highly recommend this dentist!”
Colleen Greene
“Super clean practice space, with consistently timely and well-explained interventions. Thankful and do recommend!”
Marissa Miller
Blue Sky Anesthesia
In order to help our patients feel comfortable and pain-free throughout their entire treatment process, Windham Family Dentistry offers anesthesia services by Blue Sky Anesthesia. The expertly trained and experienced professionals at Blue Sky offer a range of anesthesia services from simple numbing to complete sedation, meaning you can get crucial dental care at the exact level of comfort you desire without any side effects.
Membership Plans
DenVantage is different from dental insurance—by design! DenVantage is our in-house payment plan designed to get you the best possible care at the best possible price. Instead of traditional Least Expensive Alternative Treatment plans, which charge you premiums to cover services you don’t need, DenVantage lets you pick the type of care and number of appointments you need for a simple, monthly rate. Call today to learn more!