Sedation Dentistry

Whether you've had a bad experience in the past or a fear of the unknown, it is important that you understand that it is perfectly normal to have anxiety about the dental office. However, some patients are so fearful of the dentist that they cannot even gather up the courage to make a phone call in order to get the dental work they need or desire. Our office makes it easy to have a positive visit through the use of sedation dentistry, that so many fearful patients feel comfortable calling Madsen & Hirsch Dental Care.

At Madsen & Hirsch Dental Care, we offer oral sedation and nitrous oxide analgesia. Oral sedation requires you to take oral medication before your appointment and arrange transportation to and from the dental office. You will be awake, aware, and responsive, yet extremely relaxed. Many patients are taken back home after their appointment to sleep off the rest of the medication, and oftentimes wake up with little or no recollection of their visit at all. This is one of the best ways to help get patients to see the dentist for necessary dental work without having them be anxious or fearful.

Nitrous oxide is another sedation method used in our office. This form of sedation is also known as "laughing gas." Patients are still aware of what is going on, but are completely relaxed and able to allow dental work to be done. This will not require a patient to arrange transportation as they can drive before and after the sedation.

Sedation is used for a number of reasons, including:

Patients with high anxiety or fear of the dental office
Patients with sensitive or active gag reflexes
Patients who need a number of procedures done at once

While patients are under sedation, their condition will be monitored throughout their procedure. We will aim for patients to be under a light to moderate level so that they are responsive and breathing on their own. We also have equipment to take blood pressure, pulse, and monitor oxygen levels during treatment. Drs. Madsen and Hirsch will also periodically check with you to ensure that you are comfortable and relaxed throughout your dental visit.