Sedation Dentistry


Sedation can be used to improve comfort during endodontic treatment

It’s important to know that a visit to the dentist can be a positive experience, even when treatment is necessary. Millions of Americans, nearly 30%, are afraid of the dentist.

The doctors and staff of Endodontic Specialists are committed to making sure each and every patient has a comfortable, positive dental experience. We offer several safe, effective and comfortable options of sedation for the anxious, or fearful patients.

Inhalation Sedation – Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

What is Nitrous Oxide?

Nitrous oxide (N20) is simply a gas which the patient breathes in and out through their nose. Within 2 to 3 minutes of breathing the gas, the patient will experience the relaxation and pain-killing properties of the gas. After 5 minutes or so of breathing in the gas, the patient should feel a euphoric feeling spread throughout their body. Often people get “the giggles” (hence the name laughing gas).

Is Nitrous Oxide safe?

YES. It has no color or smell and the gas is eliminated from the body within 3 to 5 minutes after the gas supply is stopped. There is no “hangover feeling”, and you can safely drive afterward.

Which patients benefit the most from Nitrous Oxide?

Any patient that feels they need a little help relaxing during their appointment.

Oral Sedation

What is oral sedation dentistry?

Sometimes referred to as “comfortable” or “relaxation” dentistry, which describes the feeling most patients experience during their oral sedation appointments. The purpose of oral sedation is to allow a dentist to work more effectively by helping a patient become as comfortable as possible, remembering little to nothing of their time in the dental chair by the next day. This is accomplished through the use of sedative medications administered orally and sublingually. A consultation appointment is needed so that the patient and dentist can discuss all of the sedation procedures.

Is Oral Sedation safe?

YES. Appropriately trained dentists can use a variety of protocols customized to a patient’s physiological and pharmacological needs. A number of oral agents developed especially for these purposes, subjected to rigorous research and testing, are safe and have been used for decades. Dr. Moretton and Dr. Vail utilize the most up-to-date medicines, monitoring, and equipment in order to provide quality sedation care:

  • Blood pressure
  • Pulse oximetry
  • Respiratory monitor

Which patients benefit the most from oral sedation?

Oral sedation dentistry can benefit a wide range of patients, including people with:

  • High dental anxiety and fear
  • A severe gag reflex
  • Chronic or acute jaw soreness
  • Physical limitations such as back and neck problems
  • Difficulty getting numb
  • A desire to have dentistry done comfortably while they are fully relaxed

IV Sedation – Sleep Dentistry

What is intravenous sedation?

Intravenous anesthesia is a safe, cost-effective, and convenient means of completing dental care while you sleep. Conscious sedation, deep sedation, can be administered comfortably in our office. A consultation appointment is needed so that Dr. Moretton or Dr. Vail can discuss all the sedation procedures.

Which patients benefit the most from intravenous anesthesia?

Individuals with the following special needs are candidates for intravenous anesthesia:

  • Medically Compromised
  • Physically & Mentally Disabled
  • Anxiety & Fear
  • Local Anesthetic Allergies
  • Hyperactive Gag Reflex
  • Desire to be asleep during the dental procedure

Is intravenous anesthesia safe?

YES. Intravenous anesthesia is safe if performed by a licensed professional. That is why Endodontic Specialists use the services of Dr. Kyle Kramer, a diplomate of the American Dental Board of Anesthesiology for all of our IV sedation patient needs.

The anesthesiologists from Indiana School of Dentistry are experienced health care providers that are residency trained in the delivery of intravenous anesthesia. They are responsible for the continuous anesthesia management, comfort, and care of the dental patient.

The anesthesiologists utilize the most up-to-date medicines, monitoring, and equipment in order to provide quality anesthesia care:

  • Blood pressure
  • Electrocardiography
  • Pulse oximetry
  • Precordial stethoscope
  • Respiratory monitor