South County Sedation Dentistry

Arrowhead Dental Associates provides sedation dentistry in Charlestown, RI. Call us at 401-364-6300 to schedule your appointment today.

At Arrowhead Dental Associates, we offer sedation dentistry, which allows patients to feel more relaxed and at ease during their dental treatment. Dental sedation may be used for patients who have anxiety or dental phobia, or it may be needed for extensive dental work.

Nitrous oxide, sometimes referred to as “laughing gas,” is an effective and safe sedation agent that is inhaled through a mask that fits over your nose to help you relax. Mixed with oxygen, nitrous oxide allows you to breathe normally through your nose, and within minutes you should start to feel the effects. You may feel light-headed or a tingling in your arms and legs. Some patients comment that their legs and arms feel heavy. Ultimately, you should feel comfortable and calm. The effects of nitrous oxide wear off quickly after the small mask is removed. Talk to the doctor about whether nitrous oxide would be a good option for you.

IV sedation/general anesthesia, uses medications to allow the patient to go to sleep while receiving dental treatment. Surgical patients or patients with high levels of anxiety, or special needs may benefit from IV sedation/general anesthesia. The doctor can discuss the benefits of general anesthesia and help patients determine if it is the best choice for them.

Conscious oral sedation is an alternative minimal sedation that allows you to remain awake but relaxed. For people who have a fear of dental procedures, conscious sedation may take away some of the anxiety. The doctor will combine the use of oral sedation along with a local anesthetic so you have little to no discomfort. You should plan to have someone bring you to the appointment and be available to drive you home following treatment.

Sedation dentistry allows patients to feel more relaxed and at ease while getting the dental treatment they need. Dental sedation may be used for patients who have anxiety or dental phobia, or it may be needed for extensive dental work.

At Arrowhead Dental Associates, we use three types of dental sedation: nitrous oxide, IV sedation, and conscious oral sedation. Before your procedure, we can help you choose the right level of sedation dentistry for your needs.

The answer to this question depends on the level of sedation being used, but with the exception of IV sedation, patients are in a more relaxed state while still being fully awake and aware of their surroundings.

Yes, sedation dentistry works. It has helped millions of patients around the world overcome their anxiety so they can feel comfortable in the dentist’s chair.

Dental sedation will help you feel at ease during your appointment and local anesthetic will be used to ensure that you don’t experience any physical discomfort or pain while we work.

Yes, we offer IV sedation at Arrowhead Dental Associates. Technically speaking, you are still conscious with this form of sedation, but you will feel as if you are sleeping and you will have no memory of your procedure upon waking. Also known as deep sedation, IV sedation is not the same as general anesthesia, as you will be able to breathe on your own without external support.