What Types of Sedation Are Used for Root Canal Therapy Surgery?
A comfortable and pain-free procedure is our goal; both during and after treatment. These are the four types of relief options for any particular procedure:
Anxiolytics
A Valium-type drug may be prescribed prior to your appointment for anxiety relief. This medication allows you to arrive at the office in a relaxed, comfortable state-of-mind. This method requires that a trustworthy escort be present to drive you to and from your treatment appointment, and remain with you for 4 hours afterwards while the medication wears off.
Nitrous Oxide
Also known as “laughing gas”, nitrous oxide provides very quick almost instantaneous relief from anxiety. You may drive yourself to and from the treatment using this method. Alcohol should not be consumed within the 12-hour period following treatment.
Oral Conscious Sedation
This type of sedation allows a deeper, pain-free experience. This method requires that a trustworthy escort be present to drive you to and from your treatment appointment, and remain with you for 6 hours afterwards while the medication wears off.
Intravenous Sedation
This sedation method provides the most complete pain-free and memory-free level of sedation. A second practitioner who specializes in dental sedation will come to our office to administer this sedation. This method requires that a trustworthy escort be present to drive you to and from your treatment appointment, and remain with you for 6 hours afterwards while the medication wears off.
Important with All Sedation Medications
As with all drugs, individuals may experience unusual reactions to certain medication; therefore, it is important that allergies or a negative response history be discussed prior to administration.
It is highly recommended that alcohol not be consumed within the 24-hour period following any type of sedation.