We offer nitrous oxide and oral sedation medications such as Valium. We understand that many patients are anxious about their dental visits; however, we want to tell you that Dr. Carlston considers it his personal challenge to turn his anxious patients into relaxed, non-stressed patients. Recently he began extensive treatment procedures for a young lady who literally screamed out during her treatment. Not from pain, but from fear and apprehension. Her visits gradually became less and less “vocal”; and at the last visit she was calm as a summers morning, needed no “calming drugs”, and is very grateful to Dr. Carlston and his staff for ridding her of this phobia which has embarrassed her from her childhood years. This scenario has played itself out time and time again throughout Dr. Carlston’s career.

Through the modern miracle of sedation dentistry, dentists can treat anxious patients and often accomplish dental work in one or two visits that may have required many more visits without it. Nitrous oxide and intravenous (I.V.) sedation are the two conscious sedation techniques most commonly used to help patients relax.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Sedation with nitrous oxide, more commonly known as laughing gas, decreases anxiety and promotes relaxation while you remain conscious. Nitrous oxide and oxygen are mixed together and then inhaled through a mask that covers the nose and mouth prior to having a dental procedure performed to produce sensations of lightheadedness, relaxation, and a comfortable, warm-all-over feeling. Safe, effective, and non-invasive, nitrous oxide is the sedation method of choice for anxious or fearful patients.

I.V. Sedation
Intravenous sedation alleviates pain and ensures your maximum comfort during a planned dental procedure. Although you will remain conscious following I.V. sedation, you will experience a complete state of relaxation and will not feel pain. You will be carefully monitored throughout the procedure to ensure your safety. I.V. sedation is a good choice for patients who wish to overcome their anxiety and fear of visiting the dentist for treatment.