Sedation Dentistry, Sleep Dentistry

Springfield, Holyoke, Longmeadow, and Wilbraham, MA Sedation Dentist

Do you feel anxious at the mere thought of visiting a dentist? Going to the dentist is not usually at the top of people’s “fun things to do” list. It might feel slightly unpleasant for some, but others are filled with dread and anxiety over the idea. In fact, fear of the dentist is often the number one reason why some people avoid dental check-ups entirely.

At Baystate Dental, we understand this dental anxiety. We are also aware of the importance of regular dental visits and we strive to make our offices as comfortable and un-intimidating as possible. That is why we offer a variety of sedation options to help you tolerate dental visits and keep your teeth and gums in good health.

Conscious Dental Sedation

Conscious sedation means taking an oral sedative or breathing in nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to relax you. If you are asked to take an oral sedatives before coming to your dental appointment, you will need someone else to drive you to and from our office. We may give you the oral sedative when you arrive but before you are in the dental operatory.

If you choose to have nitrous oxide, it is given through a mask that you wear while your dental work is being done. When you remove the mask, the effects wear off quickly, so you normally do not need a ride home.

Oral sedation and nitrous oxide do not block your pain receptors, so a local anesthetic is also used.

Intravenous (IV) Dental Sedation

IV sedation is performed at our office. This method will not put you to sleep, but will relax you and cause calmness and drowsiness. You will be unfazed by what is happening in the dental chair and may have no memory of your dental work being done. As with conscious sedation, a local anesthetic is necessary. You will need someone to drive you home after this procedure.

General Anesthesia

General anesthesia is used if you have a severe dental phobia, and this is more correctly called “sleep dentistry”. It can be used for restless or frightened children as well as for anxious adults. You will be entirely unconscious. Your dental work is done in a hospital setting with a trained anesthesiologist to monitor you through the entire process. The anesthesiologist will determine your anesthesia dosage, administer it, and watch your vital signs while the dental work is done.

When it is finished, he or she will monitor you until you become awake and alert enough to be discharged. Local anesthesia is not necessary because your complete unconsciousness makes you unaware of any pain. In some cases, an overnight hospital stay may be required.

If you have been avoiding the dentist because you have had a bad dental experience in the past or simply fear the sights, sounds and smells of a dentist office, it is time to take action. Do not let your anxieties harm your dental health.

Please see Questions to Ask Your Sedation Dentist for more details.

Please contact our sedation dentist in Springfield, MA at Baystate Dental today to arrange a sedation dentistry consultation to discuss your dental sedation options. You can meet our experienced dentists and friendly team and have a tour one of our many locations in Springfield, Longmeadow or Wilbraham.