Sedation Services

iDENTity Dental Studio offers several types of sedation that can be used for simple procedures such as filling cavities to more complex surgical procedures such as bone grafting, dental implants and our Smile Today product. The type of sedation necessary is dependent upon the procedure being done, as well as the degree of your anxiety coupled always with your medical status. Your overall health is the upmost importance during any dental or surgical procedure when any level of sedation is provided.

iDENTity Dental Studio is proud to provide specialized anesthesia services by a Nationally Board-Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. It is important for Dr. Stapleton to have full concentration on the procedures being performed while our CRNA assures your safety and comfort during the process. Please keep in mind, Dr. Stapleton or our CRNA may request medical clearance before scheduling your surgical appointment.

• Nitrous Oxide
• Oral Sedation
• IV “Moderate” Sedation
• Deep “Deep” Sedation

These sedation techniques keep you calm during your dental visit and ensure your treatment goes smoothly. We will walk you through all the available options before beginning and help you select the one right for you.

It is critically important that patients understand not everyone is a candidate for some of these sedation options, along with our dental and surgical procedures. iDENTity Dental Studio may refer you to another provider who can deliver higher level of medical supervision if your medical conditions contradict our treatment options. As always, your health and wellbeing are the most important during every step of your rehabilitation.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous Oxide leaves you relaxed without feeling groggy. The nitrous mixes with oxygen and is inhaled through a small gas mask fitted to your nose, delivering feelings of euphoria. It is considered minimal sedation, since you are awake while receiving it and can resume normal activities once it wears off.

Typically, the effects of nitrous oxide last only as long as the gas is being inhaled and subside within a few minutes once the gas is stopped. Dr. Stapleton will control the amount of gas you receive and make adjustments accordingly. This type of sedation does not require additional services provided by a CRNA which aids us to provide this service at a lower rate than deeper sedation. Nitrous Oxide is safe, effective, and non-invasive, making it a good option for all patients.

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation is a safe. It involves the patient to take a prescribed medication prior to your visit to reduce your anxiety. If you get nervous even before stepping foot inside a dentist office, oral sedation may be a good option for you.

Typically, the appointment will take place first thing in the morning as you will take one dose before bedtime. A second dose will need to be taken one hour before your visit, and you will be asked to bring extra doses to your appointment so your sedation can be titrated for your individual comfort.

While you may not remember your procedure, you will be able to communicate with Dr. Stapleton and our team. You will be able to perform daily tasks such as going to the restroom yourself during the procedure. You may find yourself falling asleep while we are working which is very common. As you will arrive partially sedated, and will leave sedated, it is important to have a driver to be eligible for this type of sedation. Our CRNA is not required to be here for oral sedation, but iDENTity Dental Studio may require medical clearance to utilize this medication.

Oral sedation is an excellent option for nervous patients undergoing more than a routine cleaning but for whom deeper sedation techniques are not necessary. Extractions, grafting, dental implants, crowns, and veneer procedures can all be accomplished through oral sedation.

IV “Moderate” Sedation

IV “Moderate” Sedation keeps you comfortable and calm during complex dental procedures. Though the idea of IV “Moderate” Sedation may sound frightening, it’s a standard procedure used by dentists worldwide. It’s a good option for patients with severe dental phobias, extremely long procedures or surgical procedures that may be uncomfortable.

This type of sedation is completely safe and allows our CRNA to have the ability to constantly adjust your level of sedation and comfort throughout the procedure. This helps ensure we provide maximum comfort during your visit. While side effects are possible, they are rare. iDENTity Dental Studio can also manage some of the potential issues like nausea and headaches during the procedure. Patients receiving Moderate Sedation will need to have a driver and caretaker when they arrive back at home.

Though more aggressive than either Oral Sedation or Nitrous Oxide, Moderate Sedation carries many benefits that outweigh the potential side effects. In many cases, dental procedures can be completed in one visit, and you’ll walk out of the office with a smile more beautiful than the one you walked in with.

General “Deep” Sedation

General “Deep” Sedation is the deepest level of sedation provided in our office. It is very similar to Moderate Sedation in ways but includes additional medication to keep you more comfortable. There are often times that our patients receive a combination of both sedations. We ensure each patient is evaluated and treated individually as everyone responds differently to the medications given during the procedure.

During your procedure, you’ll be unconscious but will be able to respond if we need you to. Dr. Stapleton will be able to fully concentrate on the procedure, along with our CRNA consistently monitoring and ensuring you are given the minimal dosage needed to perform the needed work. It is common for patients to not remember most of the what was completed during their visit. Patients will also wake up feeling tired, groggy and sometimes slightly confused. These effects wear off within hours but iDENTity Dental Studio does recommend 24 hours of rest.

Deep Sedation eases both pain and anxiety during any dental procedure. This is a great option for patients who are dental phobic, require multiple procedures in one visit or have an extremely sensitive mouth. Most of all, your health is at the forefront of any combination of sedation that is prescribed to you.

As we finalize treatment options, we will discuss these items in detail. In addition, we will run medical screenings and have a phone consultation with our CRNA before your surgical appointment. If you have any concerns, please reach out to the iDENTity Dental Studio team and we will take the time to answer any questions you may have.