Dental Sedation

Are you a candidate for Sedation Dentistry?  Do you have . . .

• Fear and anxiety associated with a dental visit?
• Bad dental experiences in the past?
• A strong gag reflex?
• Sensitive teeth?
• Difficulty getting numb ?
• Complicated dental problems?

If you have any of the above then Sedation Dentistry is for you.  Shannon H. McCarthy, DDS offers patients anxiety free dentistry by means of ORAL SEDATION ensuring that patients will be completely relaxed through their dental appointments.

Facts About Sedation Dentistry

• It works.
• It is safe. You take a small pill prior to treatment.
• Work requiring several appointments can be done in 1 visit!
• People who have difficulty getting numb have no problem when relaxed.
• It is safely used to reduce the fatigue of extended dental treatments that require long visits.

How Sedation Works

Nitrous Oxide - also called laughing gas. This gas is inhaled by the patient and helps people feel relaxed and is one of the most common forms of sedation used in the dental office. The effects wear off quickly and this is the only form of sedation where the patient can actually drive to and from the appointment.

Oral Conscious Sedation - An oral medication, similar to "Valium" works on the central nervous system to help patients relax. Patients generally take a prescribed pill one hour prior to the dental appointment. Oral conscious sedation is very effective in the management of many dental phobics.

Intravenous and Deep Sedation - This form of pain and anxiety control involves injecting a sedative into a vein. The sedative effects are easily controlled and may be deepened if the patient requires. This is a very safe and effective means to deliver sedation.

Shannon H. McCarthy, DDS is fully licensed and accredited to perform all of these sedative techniques having spent 2 full years of specialized advanced training in dental anesthesiology. She is certified by the New York State Board of Dental Examiners to provide enteral, parenteral, and general anesthesia.  It is important to discuss all of your sedation options with Shannon H. McCarthy, DDS to choose the technique that is right for your needs.  Make sure to discuss any illness or health condition you may have, if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medications, or if you ever experienced any problems or have any allergies to certain medications.  Using all this information will provide you with the safest way to receive your dentistry with sedation.

Oral Sedation Procedure

The procedure is simple. When you arrive for your treatment you will be given an oral sedative which will put you into a relaxed and comfortable state. You will be awake but very drowsy. The time you spend in the dentists chair will feel like minutes. Before you know it the procedure is over and you will have little recollection of the entire experience.

Commonly asked questions about Sedation Dentistry

Will I feel any pain? You will feel no pain at all. It really works! You can relax through your whole appointment.

Will I be monitored? Yes, one of our team is always with you and your vital signs are monitored during the entire visit. You are never alone.

Will I be unconscious? No, you will be in a deeply relaxed twilight state, but you will be responsive. You will have little or no memory of the whole experience. You won't remember any sounds or smells.

How long will I be sedated? Between two to six hours, depending upon your needs.

Will someone need to accompany me? Yes, due to the sedative effects of the medication, you will need someone to drive you to our office and home again. We will explain everything to you during your consultation.

What types of sedation are available? We offer a wide variety of sedation techniques from laughing gas to oral conscious sedation to deep sedation using I.V. medication.