Dental anxiety is a rather common condition that discourages, and often even prevents, numerous people from attaining the oral care they need or desire. With patient comfort being one of our practice’s top priorities, our Endodontists are dedicated to helping anyone who suffers from dental phobia receive endodontic treatment in a completely calm, anxiety-free state—which can often be made possible by sedation endodontics. Endodontics is defined as root canals (anterior, pre-molar, and molar root canals) and retreatments. Our office offers root canals under sedation.

What Is Sedation Endodontics?

Sedation endodontics refers to the utilization of various sedative methods intended to keep you relaxed and free of all anxiety or discomfort while endodontic care is performed. In addition to its calming and analgesic effects, sedation endodontics can also enable complex treatments—such as some root canal procedures and dental implant surgeries—to be completed more efficiently due to your peaceful state. At our practice, our endodontist is both extensively trained and credentialed to provide oral conscious sedation and nitrous oxide, and they work together with dental anesthesiologists to offer IV sedation when a higher level of sedation is necessary.

Would Sedation Endodontics Benefit Me?

Sedation endodontics can be particularly beneficial if:

You suffer from fear or anxiety about dental treatment
You have an overactive gag reflex
You respond poorly to local anesthetics
You have a very low tolerance for discomfort
You are undergoing a particularly complex treatment or surgery
You have special needs or a disability
You are not able to relax or sit comfortably in the dental chair for an extended period

What Different Types of Sedation Are Available?

There are two types of sedation available for endodontic treatment: oral conscious sedation and nitrous oxide. Our endodontic sedation experts have undergone extensive training and are qualified to perform oral conscious sedation and nitrous oxide. Each of these options is described below.

Oral Conscious Sedation : Oral conscious sedation involves the digestion of a swallowable pill approximately one hour prior to the start of treatment. Once the sedation takes effect, you will be in a state of complete relaxation for your procedure—and you may even fall asleep. Afterwards, you will likely have little to no recollection of treatment, which many patients consider to be a benefit.

Nitrous Oxide : Nitrous oxide—commonly called “laughing gas”—is inhaled through a chairside mask, resulting in an immediate calming effect. You will be awake and coherent during treatment, though you will feel much more relaxed than normal. Depending on your needs and desires, nitrous oxide can be used alone or in combination with oral conscious sedation.

At the time of your consultation, root canal sedation experts will thoroughly examine your dental and medical history, address any questions or concerns you have, and help you select the most appropriate sedation option for your specific case. Our goal is to ensure you are completely comfortable and carefree during your endodontic treatment.

Schedule an Appointment with our Sedation Endodontic Experts

If you are in need of endodontic treatment and feel sedation endodontics could be beneficial for you, please reach out to our practice online or by phone today to book an appointment. We are happy to help you receive the oral care you need in a state of complete relaxation!

Endodontics treatment under sedation or sleep dentistry