Sedation Dentistry

For those who had previous bad experiences and anxiety levels, even a regular visit to the dentist can trigger panic and develop anxious moments which heighten the morbid fear of going to a dentist.

At Fendalton Dental, we have highly experienced sedation team with IV certified Assistants to make sure you have a very relaxing and a “Forgettable Experience”.

We have the latest in Sedation Monitoring with our Capnograph which takes a constant reading of your Blood pressure, Heart rate, Oxygen saturation levels and Carbon Dioxide levels throughout your procedure. This ensures safety to you as well as to the operator.

Our equipment includes state of the art monitoring system, Capnograph which makes sedation a low risk procedure. Since 2007, Dr Keith Chiang has performed over 5000 different sedation procedures such as Oral, inhalation and IV sedation as well.

We use different 2 types of sedation, Nitrous Oxide and Intraveneous (I.V.) Sedation.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous Oxide, often referred to as “laughing gas,” is a mild sedative used in dentistry to help patients relax and manage anxiety during dental procedures. It is one of the most common forms of conscious sedation, providing a calming effect without putting patients to sleep.

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) is a colorless, odorless gas that, when inhaled, produces a sensation of relaxation and euphoria. It is mixed with oxygen and administered through a small mask placed over the patient’s nose. The effects are felt within minutes and wear off quickly after the gas supply is stopped. This is used to help patients feel more comfortable during a variety of dental procedures, especially for those who experience dental anxiety or fear. It is commonly used during:

  • Fillings
  • Root canals
  • Tooth extractions (very popular for Orthodontic extractions in teenagers)
  • Periodontal treatments
  • Dental cleanings (in patients with extreme anxiety)
  • Dental implant surgery

 Relaxation and Anxiety Relief:

  • Nitrous oxide helps patients relax and feel at ease during dental procedures, making it ideal for those with mild to moderate dental anxiety.
  • Patients remain conscious and aware, able to respond to the dentist’s instructions, but feel less anxious or fearful.

Quick Onset and Recovery:

  • Nitrous oxide starts working within minutes of inhalation, allowing the patient to feel calm and relaxed throughout the procedure.
  • Once the mask is removed and oxygen is administered for a few minutes, the effects of nitrous oxide wear off quickly, allowing patients to resume normal activities, including driving themselves home.

 Minimal Side Effects:

  • Nitrous oxide is considered safe for most patients and has very few side effects. Occasionally, patients may experience slight nausea, but this is rare and typically mild.

Customizable Sedation:

  • The sedation level can be adjusted easily by the dentist during the procedure, allowing for fine-tuning of the gas mixture based on the patient’s comfort level.

Safe for Both Adults and Children:

  • Nitrous oxide is commonly used in pediatric dentistry to help children feel calm and cooperative during treatments. It is considered very safe for both adults and children.

Side Effects and Risks:

While nitrous oxide is generally very safe, there are a few potential side effects and risks:

  • Nausea: Some patients may experience mild nausea, especially if they inhale too much nitrous oxide too quickly or have eaten a large meal beforehand.
  • Headache: A rare side effect that can occur if not enough oxygen is administered after the procedure.
  • Dizziness or Light-headedness: These effects usually wear off quickly once the gas is stopped.
  • Claustrophobia: Some patients may feel uncomfortable with the mask or the sensation of inhaling through it.

Who Should Avoid Nitrous Oxide?:

While nitrous oxide is safe for most patients, there are certain situations where it might not be recommended:

  • Pregnancy: Nitrous oxide is generally avoided during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester.
  • Chronic Respiratory Issues: Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or other respiratory issues may not be suitable candidates, as nitrous oxide requires patients to breathe through their nose.
  • Severe Psychiatric Conditions: Patients with certain psychiatric disorders may not respond well to nitrous oxide.
  • Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Prolonged exposure to nitrous oxide can interfere with vitamin B12 metabolism, so patients with a known deficiency should inform their dentist.

Nitrous Oxide in Pediatric Dentistry:

Nitrous oxide is widely used for children undergoing dental treatments. It helps them relax, reduces fear, and makes the dental visit more pleasant. Pediatric dentists often use nitrous oxide for:

  • Fillings
  • Extractions
  • Crowns
  • Other routine procedures

It’s especially useful for children who are unable to sit still or who have had negative dental experiences in the past.

Nitrous Oxide is a safe, effective, and widely used form of sedation in dentistry, helping both adults and children feel more comfortable during dental procedures. Its rapid onset, ease of use, and quick recovery make it a popular choice for managing dental anxiety and ensuring a smooth, stress-free experience in the dental chair. Whether you have mild dental anxiety or are undergoing a complex procedure, nitrous oxide sedation can make your visit much more pleasant.

Intravenous (I.V.) Sedation

Intravenous (IV) sedation in dentistry is used to manage anxiety and pain during dental procedures. It involves administering sedative drugs directly into the patient’s bloodstream through a vein, allowing for a controlled and precise level of sedation. IV sedation is often used for more complex or lengthy dental treatments, oral surgery, or for patients with severe dental anxiety.

Levels of Sedation

  • IV sedation can range from minimal to moderate sedation.
  • Minimal sedation helps patients relax, but they remain fully conscious and responsive.
  • Moderate sedation (conscious sedation) induces a deeper state of relaxation, and patients may have limited awareness but can still respond to stimuli.
  • IV sedation provides a quick onset of the sedative effects, allowing the dentist to adjust the level of sedation as needed during the procedure.
  • It is often preferred for patients with severe anxiety or those undergoing extensive dental work.
  • Patients under IV sedation often experience reduced anxiety and discomfort during dental procedures.
  • The amnesic effect of some sedative drugs means that patients may have little or no memory of the dental procedure.
  • After the procedure, patients are monitored until the effects of the sedation wear off.
  • It is common for patients to feel drowsy or groggy after IV sedation, and they must need someone to drive them home and look after them for up to 6 hours.

It’s important for patients to discuss their medical history, any medications they are taking, and their concerns with our dentist before undergoing IV sedation. Additionally, patients should follow pre-operative and post-operative instructions provided by the sedation dentist to ensure a safe and successful experience. Since 2007, Dr Keith Chiang has performed over 5000 sedation procedures including IV sedation as well.