Sedation Options
At Lenga Perio we offer a variety of sedation options and together we will determine which is the best option for you.
Nitrous Sedation
Nitrous (also known as laughing gas), is typically administered in combination with a local anesthetic for pain prevention.
You will be able to hear and respond to any requests or directions our clinical team may have. You will be asked 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 and you can resume the rest of you day as normal.
Gas calms and comforts patients even though they remain awake, in control, and with the ability to communicate. It also tends to lessen anxiety, increase a patient pain threshold, reduce an overactive gag reflex and make time pass more quickly.
Oral Sedation
Oral Sedation involves pills or liquid taken orally. The medication allows patients to enter a state of total relaxation during treatment. Usually, patients also receive an injection of local anesthetic for pain prevention.
You must take the prescribed medication prior to your appointment as advised, usually 45 minutes to one hour prior to your scheduled appointment. A responsible adult, over the age of 18, must escort you both to and from the office as well as stay for the duration of the procedure.
For minors, a legal parent or guardian must be your escort.
Be aware that following oral sedation the medications, drugs, anesthetics, and prescriptions used during the procedure may cause drowsiness, lack of awareness, and lack of coordination, any of which may be increased by the use of alcohol and/or drugs. You should not undertake any hazardous activity or operate any vehicles while taking medications until fully recovered from the effects of the sedative (approximately 12 hours).
You must sign an informed consent prior to taking this medication.
Intravenous (IV) Sedation
These sedatives are administered directly into the blood-stream through the vein for the deepest level of sedation without general anesthesia.
If you choose oral or IV sedation, a responsible companion must accompany you to and from the visit. Before any dental procedures commence, the sedative effects of the medicine will cause the patient to become drowsy and relaxed.
Our dental team will attach you to a monitor so that Dr. Lenga and our nurse can keep track of vital signs. At the completion of the dental procedure, you will be allowed to recover from the effects of the sedation before leaving the office with a friend or relative.
How is the IV administered?
A thin needle will be introduced into a vein in your arm or hand. The needle will be attached to an intravenous tube through which medication will be given to help you relax and feel comfortable. Some patients may be asleep while others will slip in and out of sleep. Some patients with medical conditions and/or on specific drug regimens may only be lightly sedated and may not sleep at all.
Preparations:
No food or drink should be taken for at least eight (8) hours before the appointment. A small amount of liquid taken with the medications prior to the surgery is acceptable.
Please use bathroom immediately prior to appointment to ensure empty bowels and bladder.
STAY VERY HYDRATED DAY PRIOR TO SURGERY! This is very important as it helps start the IV easily.
ABSOLUTELY NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES SHOULD BE INGESTED 24 HOURS BEFORE APPOINTMENT.
If you take any medications please discuss them with Dr. Lenga. Usually any regular medications are taken as normal with only a small sip of water on the morning of sedation.
Please remember to wear comfortable clothing with loose sleeved shirts to allow access to your arms for an IV line and for monitoring of your blood pressure & heart.
Contact lens wearers should refrain from wearing contacts for that day.
If you should develop a cold or the flu, sore throat or other type of infection please inform the office as soon as possible. hours prior to your appointment.