Sedation Dentistry Tacoma, WA

Sedation Dentistry is commonly used for extensive dental procedures, for patients with dental anxiety, or for patients who find it difficult to sit still. There are different types of sedation techniques but our team uses laughing gas and oral sedation. Our expert staff is trained to make sure that you experience little or no pain during your next visit to the dentist’s office.

PAINLESS DENTISTRY

The American Dental Association endorses the use of sedation dentistry and it’s a very effective way to make patients comfortable during their dental visit.  Before receiving a sedative or anesthetic, tell your doctor about all medications and/or medical treatments you are receiving.  Before administering any sedative or anesthetic, the dentist will talk to you about different sedation techniques, the process of administration, and pre and post-sedation instructions.

Is pain-free sedation right for you? Contact our office

Different Sedation Techniques at our Tacoma, WA Office

NITROUS OXIDE

Sedation at your dental office can range from the use of nitrous oxide to calm a patient to general anesthetics that will put a patient to sleep.  Some form of sedation is often a good choice for patients with dental phobia, mild to moderate anxiety, low pain tolerance, physical handicaps, strong gag reflexes, or when undergoing a major dental procedure.  Sedation is often used for fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals, extractions, cosmetic procedures, and periodontal treatments.

LAUGHING GAS

Nitrous oxide, often referred to as “laughing gas, “ is often used as a conscious sedation technique. The gas is administered with a mixture of oxygen and has a calming effect that helps phobic or anxious patients relax during their treatment. It is a mild sedative, so patients are still conscious and able to talk to their dentist during the visit. After treatment, nitrous is turned off and oxygen is administered for 5-10 minutes to flush any remaining gas. The effects of laughing gas wear off almost immediately. It is low risk, and rarely has side effects, although some patients may experience minor nausea and constipation. If you are interested in having laughing gas administered to relieve your anxiety during your next visit to the dentist, let us know by giving our office in Tacoma a call.

Keep in mind that South Sound Dental also does other types of dental treatments other than sedation dentistry. Click here to look at all of our dental treatments.

Sedation dentsitry for a patient