Sedation Dentistry

If you are one of millions of Americans who are afraid of going to the dentist, know that you are not alone.  But the good news is oral sedation dentistry can help!  Also know as relaxation dentistry or sleep dentistry (although this term is inaccurate), oral sedation dentistry can help you take care of a lot of work in fewer visits in a comfortable setting. 

How does it work?

Oral sedation dentistry is great because we do not need to use any needles to sedate you.  After calling our office, you can set up an appointment to come in and meet Dr. Dan Bruce.  Sometimes it is easier to bring a friend along for support.  At this first appointment we will look over your health history, take the necessary x-rays and take a look at your mouth.  It is very important to let us know everything about your health and what medications (including vitamins) that you are taking.  These can effect the length and depth of sedation.  For example, if you consume grapefruit juice within 72 hours of sedation, the juice with metabolize the sedation medications making them much less effective. 

Once we have gathered our data, we will talk to you and figure out what you want your goals are for your mouth.  Whether it is a brand new smile, or just to make your mouth functional without pain, you are in charge.  Together, you and Dr. Dan Bruce will come up with a plan together that fits your goals.

The night before we will give you a medication to make sure you sleep well and wake up relaxed.  Often people we treat spend the whole first night tossing and turning so this is a welcome change.  You will have a companion bring you to your appointment and take you home afterward.  At the appointment,we will give you the proper amount of medicine based on your needs.  The medications we use are safe and effective and have been used for many years.  Often our patients remember little or none of the dental visit. 

Who is a candidate for sedation?

     -People who have high anxiety even thinking about going to the dentist.
     -If you endure dental pain because you are afraid of going to the dentist.
     -Someone who has trouble getting numb or gags easily.
     -Anyone who wants to get a lot of work done in one or two visits while remembering little or none of
      the appointment.

If you would like to know more about sedation dentistry or find a sedation dentist in Boise or the surrounding area, please contact our office at (208) 376-2920.  Dr. Dan Bruce has taken the required classes for safe sedation and has been certified by the Idaho State Board of Dentistry to administer oral sedation. 

We look forward to seeing you!