Sedation Dentistry

We understand many patients experience anxiety when visiting the dentist. If you are one of them, we welcome you to Dahle Family Dentistry! We offer several sedation dentistry options and can customize a solution to fit your unique needs, so you have a successful, comfortable visit.

Comfortable Sedation Dentistry in Ontario, OR

Some of our sedation patients had a bad dental experience as children, and some don’t like the sights and sounds of a dental office. Some are very small children, and some have special needs. Whatever the circumstance, we offer an appropriate level of sedation, including:

  • Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
  • Oral conscious sedation
  • IV sedation dentistry

Minimal Sedation Dentistry Calms Anxiety and Fears

Nitrous oxide, also called laughing gas, is considered minimal sedation dentistry, where you remain awake but are more relaxed. Time may seem to pass faster, and you may not remember much about your dental visit. With nitrous oxide, we can often accomplish in one or two dental visits what would typically take several.

Minimal sedation dentistry involves nitrous mixed with oxygen or oral sedation (taking a sedative drink or pill) to help you relax and calm your anxiety. Please read on to learn about all our options and what you can expect during sedation.

Nitrous Oxide Minimal Sedation Dentistry

  • The sweet-smelling gas is delivered via a small, comfortable nosepiece.
  • The dentist can control the amount of sedation delivered.
  • Nitrous oxide acts quickly and wears off quickly.
  • You may be able to drive yourself home.

Sedation Dentistry for Children

  • A small drink containing medication (oral sedation) is taken at the office.
  • A trained member of the dental team continually monitors the child.
  • After the child is relaxed, we complete as much treatment as possible.
  • The child often doesn’t remember much about their visit.

Relaxation Dentistry for Adults

  • About one hour before your appointment, you take the prescribed medication.
  • Your escort brings you to your appointment.
  • You feel relaxed and sleepy during your visit, but you will remain awake.
  • A trained member of the dental team continually monitors you.
  • Your escort drives you home safely.

Conscious Sedation Dentistry for Adults

  • We prescribe medication to take one hour before your appointment.
  • We administer additional medication during your visit.
  • You will feel relaxed but will remain awake.
  • A trained member of the dental team will continually monitor you.
  • You may not remember much of your visit.
  • You will need an escort to drive you to and from your appointment.

Regardless of which minimal sedation method we recommend, a local anesthetic may still be required to numb the location of the dental procedure for a pain-free experience.

Advanced Sedation Dentistry

We offer advanced sedation dentistry for patients needing additional support to complete dental work. These options are particularly helpful for children who need a lot of dental care, special needs patients, or others with unique circumstances.

IV Sedation Dentistry in Office

  • A certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) administers the anesthesia.
  • You are completely asleep.
  • Our dentists complete as much of the dental work as possible.
  • The CRNA monitors you during sedation and then helps you wake up.
  • You have the comfort of in-office care with deeper sedation.
  • It is ideal for very anxious patients.
  • You will need an escort to drive you home.

Can Sedation Dentistry Benefit You?

If you experience dental anxiety, please know that you are not alone. Millions of people feel as you do and already benefit from sedation dentistry to get the important care they need.

To schedule an appointment or speak to someone about our sedation options, please call our Treasure Valley dental office at (541) 881-1794.