Sedation Dentistry

At Watterson Dentistry, we understand that dental anxiety and past trauma can make visits to the dentist feel overwhelming. That’s why we specialize in sedation dentistry, offering gentle, effective options to help you feel calm and at ease during your dental treatment. Our priority is your comfort and well-being, ensuring you receive the care you need without fear or stress.

We provide two forms of sedation — IV Conscious Sedation and Oral Conscious Sedation — both of which are tailored to your individual needs and level of anxiety. Whether you’re undergoing a routine cleaning or a more complex procedure, our team is here to make your experience as smooth and relaxing as possible. It is very common for our sedated patients to have little to no memory of their dental treatment in our office.

IV Conscious Sedation

For patients with severe dental anxiety, significant dental phobia, or those undergoing complex or lengthy procedures, IV sedation provides an unmatched level of relaxation and comfort. This form of sedation allows you to feel completely at ease while remaining conscious and responsive to our team’s instructions.

IV sedation involves the use of a sedative medication delivered directly into your bloodstream. The effects begin almost immediately, creating a relaxed sense of calm and reducing your awareness of the procedure. Unlike general anesthesia, you remain awake but feel detached from any stress or discomfort.

What to Expect During IV Sedation

• Preparation — Before the procedure, we’ll review your medical history, discuss your concerns, and explain what to expect. Our experienced team will cover the many differences of a sedation appointment and make sure your questions are answered.
• Sedation Experience — You’ll enter a very relaxed state where you are unaware of time passing or the details of the procedure. Many patients describe it as feeling like they have drifted into a light, pleasant sleep. Many patients report afterward they had the best nap of their lives, all while having their dentistry completed.
• Safety and Monitoring — Throughout the procedure, our trained professionals carefully monitor your heart rate and rhythm, respiration rate, blood oxygen levels, and overall well-being to ensure a safe and comfortable experience.

Who Can Benefit from IV Sedation?

IV sedation is ideal for patients who:

• Experience extreme dental anxiety or phobia
• Have difficulty getting numb with local anesthesia alone
• Require multiple or complex treatments in a single visit
• Struggle with an overactive gag reflex

After your procedure, you’ll need someone to drive you home, as the sedative effects may linger for a few hours.

Oral Conscious Sedation

For patients who feel uneasy about visiting the dentist but don’t require IV sedation, oral conscious sedation offers a simple yet effective way to ensure a stress-free experience. This form of sedation helps you feel calm and relaxed throughout your appointment, and you will have little to no memory of being at the dentist.

Oral sedation involves taking a prescribed medication, such as a sedative or anti-anxiety pill, before your dental appointment. The medication works by calming the nervous system, reducing feelings of fear or worry, and helping you relax both physically and mentally.

What to Expect During Oral Sedation

• Before Your Appointment — You’ll take the prescribed medication at a set time, usually an hour before your visit. By the time you arrive, the sedative will have taken effect, making you feel calm and at ease.
• During Treatment — While you’re “awake and aware”, you’ll feel deeply relaxed and unconcerned about the procedure. Patients remain responsive but experience little to no memory of the treatment.
• Post-Treatment — Like IV sedation, oral sedation requires someone to drive you home, as the medication’s effects can last for several hours after your appointment.

Who Can Benefit from Oral Sedation?

Oral sedation is an excellent option for patients who:

• Experience mild to moderate dental anxiety
• Have bad gag reflexes
• Feel nervous about specific procedures, such as fillings or extractions
• Have had negative dental experiences in the past
• Want a more relaxed experience for routine dental visits
• Have a hard time getting numb
• Want a better and more effective alternative to laughing gas

Oral sedation is particularly useful for shorter appointments or treatments where a gentle calming effect is all that’s needed.

Let Us Help You Overcome Dental Anxiety

At Watterson Dentistry, we are dedicated to making every patient feel comfortable and cared for. Whether you choose IV sedation for deep relaxation or oral sedation for mild to moderate anxiety, our team is here to support you every step of the way.

If dental anxiety has been keeping you from the care you need, let Watterson Dentistry help. Reach out to us to learn more about our sedation options and request a consultation. Together, we’ll make your visit a positive and stress-free experience.