Sedation Dentistry - Hamden, CT

Dentistry at Its Most Relaxing

dental patient relaxed thanks to sedation dentistry in Hamden

Many patients are somewhat apprehensive about dental treatment. They may have had some bad past experiences, or perhaps they are anxious when another person has access to the sensitive tissues in their mouth. If you are a little nervous about visiting us for your next appointment, we completely understand. That is why we are prepared to help you relax with our gentle touch, our top-tier skills, and our sedation techniques.

Why Choose New Haven Dental Group for Sedation Dentistry

Multiple sedation options available
Relax through your appointments
Sedation available for most patients

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

relaxed patient awaiting treatment by dentist and hygienist

“Sedation dentistry” is a term that refers to medicinal means of helping patients remain calm and relaxed during dental treatment. It can use a variety of techniques, and it can produce a range of feelings, from mild calmness to a giddiness to complete unconsciousness.

In addition to benefiting anxious patients, sedation can help other groups of people as well, including those who:

Have physical conditions that make it difficult for them to sit still for long periods of time
Need to undergo multiple dental procedures at once

Types of Sedation

woman preparing to swallow oral conscious sedation medication

We offer three types of sedation:

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide is a clear gas that, when inhaled, produces a calm and happy feeling. It is administered through a special nasal mask. After your exposure to nitrous oxide ends, its effects wear off very quickly. It is safe for patients to drive themselves home after being sedated with nitrous oxide.

Oral Conscious Sedation

If you opt for oral conscious sedation, you will take a pill shortly before your appointment begins. The medicine will make you feel very calm and relaxed, but you will remain alert enough to respond to our questions and directions during your treatment.

General Anesthesia

General anesthesia is the most powerful type of sedation. We usually reserve it for major treatments. It produces unconsciousness and requires careful monitoring by a highly trained expert.

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

relaxed patient laughing with two members of dental team

Sedation dentistry has numerous benefits:

It can help you to receive regular preventive care (as opposed to waiting to see a dentist until an oral health problem becomes so painful that it overrides dental anxiety)
It can allow you to remain relaxed even if you must undergo extensive or major treatment
It is safe for most patients
Side effects are usually minimal

Cost of Sedation Dentistry

dentist and patient discussing cost of sedation dentistry

The cost of your sedation will depend on a few factors, including the type of anesthesia you undergo. General anesthesia tends to be the most expensive because it requires such careful monitoring. Nitrous oxide generally has the lowest cost out of all the sedation options. When you visit us for your consultation, we will talk to you about your sedation options and their associated costs. Dental insurance usually does not cover sedation unless it is deemed to be a medically necessary part of a procedure (as is sometimes the case with oral surgery).

Would you like to learn more about sedation dentistry and how it may benefit you? Contact our team today.

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