Dr. Berzin’s sedation dentistry comes with many benefits.
Though the specific effects of the three sedation options are not exactly the same, they all share many benefits. Of course, a calming, relaxing feeling is the main effect you’ll notice, which makes your entire procedure more enjoyable. But sedation also offers pain relief, may help shorten your visit, simplifies your procedure, and it may even help you forget the treatment entirely.
We offer three different sedation options to our patients.
Dr. Berzin and his team will rely on their decades of experience to recommend the sedation option, or options, that are right for you. Before we offer any sedation, we’ll check your blood pressure and your medical records to be certain that you’re a suitable candidate. We’ll also provide you with instructions to follow before and after your appointment—depending on the type of sedation administered.
Oral sedation
Oral sedation is medication in the form of a pill or tablet that you swallow. We’ll give you one or two doses of medicine—if two, you’ll take one before you sleep the night before your appointment, and another prior to your procedure. This produces a high level of drowsiness, but not a complete sleep. Your level of sedation, blood pressure, pulse, and oxygen level will be observed continuously throughout your procedure.
Intravenous sedation
With Intravenous (IV) sedation, a thin needle will be inserted into your vein by Dr. Berzin at the beginning of your appointment. The needle is attached to an intravenous tube which transfers the sedative straight to your bloodstream. Your blood pressure, pulse, and oxygen level will be observed continuously throughout your procedure. You might feel drowsy after the procedure is done.
Inhaled minimal sedation
With this option, you inhale nitrous oxide gas (also called “laughing gas”) through a mask that’s placed over your nose. The quantity of the sedation you get is carefully controlled by Dr. Berzin, and the effect fades quickly once the flow of gas stops. This is the only kind of sedation that can allow you to drive yourself home once the procedure is done.