Sedation Dentistry

If you feel frightened, anxious, or terrified at the thought of a dental appointment, you’re not alone – in fact, studies show that nearly one in five people experience these negative emotions. It can cause people to avoid any kind of dental work, even those as simple as cleanings and checkups.

North Star wants you to know that we understand. We don’t just want to treat your teeth—we want to treat you. Here at our practice, our goal is to make you comfortable and give you the anxiety-free dental experience you need.

Emergency Dentist Near Me Idaho
General Dentistry Idaho Family Dental Clinic

What is Nitrous?

Nitrous Oxide (N20) is a colorless gas that has been used as a minor anesthetic and sedative since the late 1800s. It is also called “laughing gas.”

We use this gas to ease any standard dental procedure. Laughing gas is, at its basic medical function, a sedative. It will not knock you out or replace the standard anesthetics. It is simply a treatment that acts as an anxiolytic, or anti-anxiety tool.

It has been proven to reduce anxiety, reduce pain, and to relax the body. With the calming effects of laughing gas, you can face the dentist’s chair without fear or stress.

Sedation

Moderate sedation is a technique that can be used to reduce excitement or anxiety so that the patient may receive the dental treatment they need. Sedated patients are awake and resting comfortably. They respond normally to verbal commands. Although cognitive function and coordination may be impaired, breathing is unaffected.

The use of anesthesia is safe and effective when properly administered by a trained dentist anesthesiologist. The American Dental Association strongly supports the rights of appropriately trained dentists to use these modalities for the management of dental patients and is committed to ensuring their safe and effective use.

Emergency Dentist Near Me Idaho
Emergency Dentist Near Me Idaho

General Anesthesia

General anesthetics produce an unconscious state. In this state, a person is unaware of what is happening, pain-free and immobile. General anesthesia can be administered as an inhaled gas or an injected medication. There are several drugs and gases that can be combined or used alone to produce general anesthesia.

In order to induce (start) anesthesia, an IV needs to be started. Children may receive an initial injection, in the same way that they receive immunizations at the pediatrician’s office, or breathe in an anesthetic gas to induce anesthesia. Once asleep, an IV can be started. Older children and adults are often able to tolerate an awake IV placement.

CONTACT US TODAY! WE'RE HERE TO HELP!

North Star Dentistry provides top-notch, full-service dental care to the citizens of Treasure Valley Idaho.