Sedation Dentistry
We use advanced sedation dentistry to ensure that you are comfortable, calm, and relaxed through any dental treatment or dental procedure. Our team will work closely with you to determine a treatment option that feels comfortable for you.
Sedation Dentistry in Spokane Valley, WA
Dental sedation helps reduce anxiety and discomfort during treatment, allowing patients to feel more relaxed and comfortable throughout their visit. Sedation can be especially beneficial for those with dental anxiety, sensitive teeth, or concerns about undergoing dental procedures. By creating a calmer experience, dental sedation helps patients receive the care they need while enabling our team to perform treatment efficiently and effectively. At Spokane Valley Dentistry, we offer nitrous oxide sedation, commonly known as laughing gas, to help make dental visits more comfortable and stress-free.
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What is laughing gas, and what does it do?
Nitrous oxide, commonly referred to as laughing gas, is a mild sedative that can help reduce your anxiety. It will not put you to sleep. It’s colorless and odorless, and its usefulness stems from its ability to quickly work and safely reverse its effects. It is a widely considered safe dental sedation method.
We offer complimentary nitrous oxide for our patients to ensure that they are comfortable for any procedure.
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What type of anesthesia are used for dental work?
The most common types of anesthesia used are local anesthesia, oral sedation, and IV sedation.
- Local anesthesia is a numbing medication that is injected directly into the area that is to be treated—usually the gums around an infected tooth.
- Oral sedation is a more convenient type of anesthesia, as there is a brief period of sedation and often little memory of the procedure. You take a pill approximately one hour before your procedure begins, so by the time the dentist begins working, you feel completely relaxed.
- IV sedation produces a more profound experience that usually leaves no memory of the actual procedure. It’s typically used for more intensive procedures like tooth extractions, dental implants, or other surgical procedures; however, the patient is conscious during the process.
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Can I drive home after receiving laughing gas sedation?
In most cases, yes, you can drive yourself home after receiving laughing gas sedation. Nitrous oxide works quickly to help you relax during treatment, and its effects typically wear off within minutes once the gas is stopped. Before you leave, you’ll be given oxygen to help clear any remaining sedation effects, allowing you to return to your normal activities right away. However, your dentist will ensure you feel fully alert and ready to drive before you leave the office.
More questions about sedation dentistry?
If you have additional questions about our dental sedation options, please contact our office, and we will be happy to discuss further. We also provide various other preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dental services.
