Sedation Dentist – Hillsboro, OR
Reducing Anxiety for a Greater Patient Experience
It’s not at all unusual if you feel some anxiety about going to the dentist. More than 75% of American adults have some form of dental fear. But at The Dentists at Orenco Station, we do all that we can to put you at ease. From our comfortable treatment rooms to our compassionate dental team, your experience will be relaxing and even pleasant.
Have you put off seeing a dentist because of your apprehensive feelings? Our team will do all that we can to make sure you feel at ease during your entire appointment.
With our friendly staff, cozy surroundings, and comfortable treatment rooms, you’ll have lots of reasons to relax. And we can ensure your treatment remains anxiety-free with sedation dentistry in Hillsboro. Call us today.
Why Choose The Dentists at Orenco Station for Sedation Dentistry?
- Caring & Compassionate Dental Team
- Comfort Amenities Available
- Three Types of Sedation for Anxious Patients
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
In use since the late 1800s, nitrous oxide is more commonly known as “laughing gas." Nitrous oxide is a safe, effective, and affordable sedation dentistry option that dissipates quickly. It significantly helps people relax while frequently reducing sensations of discomfort, and it can be safely used for both adults and children.
How Nitrous Oxide Works
Nitrous oxide contains both nitrous and oxygen, both of which work to help you stay as relaxed as possible through the course of your appointment. It comes in the form of a colorless, odorless gas that is gently inhaled through a nasal mask that’s worn throughout treatment. This allows the dentist to work inside the mouth without intrusion from the sedation device itself.
As it’s inhaled, nitrous oxide creates an incredibly calming sensation. Not only will you feel very relaxed, but many patients begin to feel slightly euphoric, which is one of the reasons why it’s also referred to as “laughing gas.” With that said, it’s a completely safe sedative to receive in dental settings and is actually the mildest type of dental sedation you can get.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?
Sedatives like nitrous oxide are generally recommended for those who have dental anxiety, nervousness, or phobia that’s preventing them from getting the treatment they need. However, it’s hardly the only group that can benefit from its use.
For example, nitrous oxide is great for those who have a sensitive gag reflex, making it difficult to keep the mouth open during dental exams or treatments. It’s also ideal for those who have a low pain tolerance or difficulty holding their jaw open for long periods (this is generally quite common for those with TMJ problems).
Alternatively, patients who struggle to sit still in the dental chair (such as those with cognitive or physical disabilities) can greatly benefit from nitrous oxide. Furthermore, if you know that you need to have multiple treatments completed in a single session and aren’t able to schedule follow-up appointments in the near future, nitrous oxide can make it easier to get these treatments done.
Are There Side Effects with Nitrous Oxide?
Once the nasal mask is removed and you have a chance to breathe regular air, the effects of the nitrous oxide should completely dissipate within a few minutes. That means you can continue your day without interruptions, making the sedative particularly useful for those completing dental appointments in the middle of the workday (or on a day when they have additional errands to complete). With that said, it’s not impossible for some minor side effects to occur, including nausea, fatigue, headaches, and sweating. These side effects are generally rare, and when they do occur, they are mild.
Oral Conscious Sedation
If you panic at the thought of sitting in a dental chair, we can ease you through your treatment with oral conscious sedation. Oral conscious sedation is also an excellent sedation option for patients who need multiple or complex procedures. Dr. Brandon Kearbey or Dr. Malinda Kearbey will prescribe a sedative for you to take an hour before your dental appointment. Most patients feel relaxed but are still able to respond throughout their appointment. Because oral conscious sedation takes time to wear off, we ask that patients who use this method of sedation have a driver to take them home from their appointment.
IV Sedation
Few dentists can offer IV sedation, but Dr. Brandon Kearbey has been using IV sedation to help patients since 2009 and has brought this service to The Dentists at Orenco Station. This allows us to perform multiple procedures in a single visit, and most patients don't remember anything about their appointment. Dr. Brandon Kearbey trained at the University of Southern California with the premier dental anesthesiologist, Dr. Stanley Malamed.