Dental Sedation Services

Dental sedation can be a good option for anxious patients. Many patients have had traumatic experiences in dentistry or have other anxieties about their treatment. At Auburn Family Dental, Dr. Marie Durflinger strives to meet your individual comfort needs. For our patients with anxiety, sedation dentistry may be the answer. We offer both nitrous oxide and oral (conscious) sedation as options for our patients.

NITROUS OXIDE

Nitrous oxide is a safe and effective sedative agent that will help you relax. It is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a small mask that fits over your nose.

Nitrous oxide, sometimes called "laughing gas," is one option we may offer to help make you more comfortable during certain procedures. It is not intended to put you to sleep. You will be able to hear and respond to any requests or directions we may have. We will ask you to breathe normally through your nose, and within a few short minutes, you should start to feel the effects of the nitrous oxide. You may feel light-headed or a tingling in your arms and legs. Some people say their arms and legs feel heavy. Ultimately, you should feel calm and comfortable. The effects of nitrous oxide wear off soon after the mask is removed.

Talk to us about whether nitrous oxide would be a good option for you at your next appointment. No need to have a driver get you to and from your dental appointment.

ORAL (CONSCIOUS) SEDATION

Oral sedation dentistry allows Dr. Durflinger to create a safe and comfortable dental experience for patients who avoid the dentist out of fear.

With sedation, your dentist can work more effectively by helping you become as comfortable as possible using well established and proven methods. There are a variety of sedation medications that are taken orally or "sublingually" (under the tongue). All sedation medications are prescription and are to be taken by the patient at home.

This type of dental care does require that you have a driver bring you to the dental appointment and take you home after the dental appointment. The medication takes several hours to wear off completely.