Sedation Dentistry
Goodbye Dental Fear
Safe, personalized sedation — from mild laughing gas to deep IV sedation administered by a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.
Are You a Good Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation is available for any patient who wants it. It's especially beneficial if you:
- ✓Are afraid of needles or shots
- ✓Have had a traumatic dental experience in the past
- ✓Struggle with the sounds or smells of a dental office
- ✓Have sensitive teeth, a strong gag reflex, or difficulty getting numb
- ✓Require complex or lengthy treatment
- ✓Feel self-conscious about the condition of your teeth
Welcome to the Spa
Relax & Rest Easy
Every visit at Casco Bay Smiles is designed around your comfort. Before we ever discuss sedation options, we make sure the environment itself puts you at ease.
Our comfort menu includes:
- —Soothing music through Bose noise-canceling headphones
- —Warm neck wraps
- —Eye pillows
- —Aromatherapy patches
- —Warm blankets
Personalized Solutions
Sedation Options at Casco Bay Smiles
Nitrous Oxide
Laughing Gas
Inhaled through a nasal mask, nitrous oxide produces a pleasant state of relaxation. Effects dissipate quickly — most patients can drive themselves home.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Prescription Pill
A prescribed medication taken before your appointment induces a deeper state of drowsiness. You remain conscious but deeply relaxed. Effects may last the remainder of the day.
IV Sedation
Deep Sedation
Administered by a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). Maintains a state of deep sedation with continuous oxygen monitoring. Ideal for extensive treatment or high anxiety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sedation dentistry safe?
Yes. All sedation methods used at Casco Bay Smiles are proven to be safe and effective. Your vital signs are monitored throughout any sedation procedure.
How long is recovery?
Recovery depends on the method. Nitrous oxide wears off within minutes. Oral sedation effects may last several hours. IV sedation requires the rest of the day for recovery. A driver is required for oral and IV sedation.
Will I still need local anesthesia?
Yes. Sedation manages anxiety, but local anesthesia is still used for any procedure requiring numbing. Many patients report not remembering the anesthesia injection at all.