Sedation Dentistry

Even patients who don’t usually have dental anxiety may feel nervous about an upcoming oral surgery procedure. We understand, and we specialize in treating patients with anxiety. If you need help relaxing during your visit, we offer safe forms of sedation to help put you at ease. 

Oral & Facial Surgery Centers of Massachusetts provides sedation in Burlington and Cambridge, MA. Call today to learn more or to schedule an appointment.

Although not all patients need sedation, those who do find that it makes their appointments less stressful. Benefits of sedation include:

• Reduced stress, anxiety, and fear
• The ability to undergo multiple oral surgery procedures in one visit 

The terms sedation and anesthesia are often used interchangeably, but the two are different: sedation helps you feel calm and relaxed, while anesthesia ensures that you don’t feel any pain. Some patients may only need local anesthesia, while others may require deep sedation or even general anesthesia in a hospital setting. We offer the following forms of sedation at our offices in Burlington and Cambridge:

• Local anesthesia, which numbs the surgical site.
• Nitrous oxide, which allows you to relax while remaining awake and aware of your surroundings.
• Conscious oral sedation, which involves taking a prescription medication by mouth before your procedure to ease your anxiety.
• IV sedation, which allows you to feel as if you’ve slept through your procedure, although you are still technically conscious and breathing on your own.

• General anesthesia, which causes the elimination of all sensation, accompanied by loss of consciousness

If you are considering sedation for your procedure, your surgeon will review your medical history and inquire about any prior anesthesia complications. Certain health conditions, including heart, lung, and airway problems, may limit the types of sedation we can use.

Our oral and maxillofacial surgeons are highly trained in using dental sedation during their procedures. Here’s why so many patients choose our practice:

• We offer a range of sedation options, ensuring that there’s a solution that’s just right for you.
• Each of our doctors is board-certified, so you can feel confident knowing you’re getting expert care.
• We always put our patients first with individualized, professional, and compassionate treatment.

What is used for sedation dentistry?

At our practice, we use nitrous oxide, conscious oral sedation,  IV sedation, and general anesthesia. We also provide local anesthesia to ensure your comfort even if you don’t require sedation.

Will I feel any pain with sedation?

Sedation helps you feel at ease during your procedure, but it doesn’t change your ability to feel pain. This is why sedation is always used in conjunction with local anesthesia, which numbs the surgical site so you don’t experience any discomfort.

Am I asleep during IV sedation?

Most patients feel as if they are sleeping or drifting in and out of consciousness with IV sedation, but, technically speaking, you will remain conscious. This is why IV sedation is sometimes known as twilight anesthesia.

Can I be sedated for tooth extraction?

Yes, unless you have certain underlying medical conditions, you can be sedated for a tooth extraction.

Will I remember anything after IV sedation?

IV sedation has an amnesiac effect, so most patients have no memory of their procedure, while others may only have vague memories.

Contact us today to learn more or to schedule an appointment.