Sedation Services

To us, your comfort is paramount. We provide a soothing atmosphere and our team is here to help you feel at ease. However, we understand that for some of our patients, coming in for treatment makes them very apprehensive. For those patients, Dr. Murphy offers sedation dentistry to help calm and relax you. You should consider sedation dentistry if:

• You suffer from severe anxiety or fear of the dentist
• Local anesthetics do not have a numbing effect on you
• You have a sensitive gag reflex
• You suffer from any health issues, such as neck or back pain, which could lead to discomfort while sitting in a dentist’s chair

Fear and discomfort don’t have to keep you from the beautiful smile you deserve. After evaluating your personal situation, Dr. Murphy can recommend one of the following sedation dentistry techniques:

• Oral Conscious Sedation
  involves a medication taken orally prior to your visit. This method allows patients to feel relaxed in the dental chair, while remaining conscious and able to answer the dentist’s questions. Although your dental procedures may take hours, you will feel as if they take only minutes. Some patients become so relaxed that they fall asleep in the dentist’s chair. The effects of the sedative typically subside the following day.
• Nitrous Oxide Sedation
  involves a colorless, odorless gas inhaled through a nasal mask. Many people know nitrous oxide as laughing gas. We will control the amount of nitrous you receive to ensure your safety. Once you begin breathing the gas, you will feel relaxed, so the dentist can perform your dental work while you stay completely comfortable. The effects of nitrous oxide subside once we remove your mask, so if nitrous is the only anesthesia you receive, you will be capable of driving yourself home following the visit and can continue your daily activities as normal.