For many people, the idea of oral surgery can cause anxiety or fear. Whether you're scheduled for a tooth extraction, dental implants, or a more complex procedure, it’s common to feel apprehensive about the process. Fortunately, sedation dentistry offers a safe and effective way to help patients relax and feel comfortable throughout their oral surgery. At Associates in Oral and Implant Surgery in El Paso, Dr. Mark DuVernois and Dr. Scott Marshall specialize in providing sedation options that make oral surgery a stress-free experience.

In this blog, we’ll explore the different types of sedation available, the benefits of sedation dentistry, and how our team can help you enjoy a more comfortable oral surgery experience.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry involves using medication to help patients relax during dental or oral surgery procedures. The level of sedation can range from mild relaxation to deep sleep, depending on the patient’s needs and the complexity of the procedure. Sedation can be particularly helpful for patients who:

• Have dental anxiety or fear
• Are undergoing a lengthy or complex procedure
• Have a sensitive gag reflex
• Have difficulty sitting still for extended periods
• Require multiple procedures in one visit

At Associates in Oral and Implant Surgery, we offer several sedation options to ensure your comfort and safety during oral surgery.

Types of Sedation Used in Oral Surgery

Different types of sedation are available depending on the procedure and the patient’s level of anxiety. Here are the most common forms of sedation dentistry used in our El Paso offices:

1. Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as "laughing gas," is a mild sedative inhaled through a small mask placed over your nose. It helps you feel calm and relaxed during the procedure, but you remain fully conscious and able to respond to the surgeon’s instructions. One of the key benefits of nitrous oxide is that it wears off quickly, allowing you to resume normal activities shortly after your procedure.

2. Oral Sedation

Oral sedation involves taking a prescription sedative pill before your procedure. The medication helps you feel deeply relaxed, and depending on the dosage, you may feel drowsy or even fall asleep. While you’ll remain awake, you might not remember much of the procedure. Oral sedation is often used for patients with moderate anxiety or for those undergoing longer procedures.

3. IV Sedation

For patients with higher levels of anxiety or those undergoing more complex surgeries, IV sedation may be recommended. This involves administering sedative medication directly into the bloodstream through an intravenous line, which allows for a deeper level of sedation. Under IV sedation, you will be in a state of deep relaxation, and many patients report having little to no memory of the procedure. You’ll still be conscious enough to respond to instructions, but you’ll feel like you’re in a light sleep.

4. General Anesthesia

In cases where complete unconsciousness is necessary—such as very complex or lengthy surgeries—general anesthesia may be used. Under general anesthesia, you will be completely asleep and unaware of the procedure. General anesthesia is typically reserved for the most complex cases or for patients who have significant anxiety.

The Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry offers a wide range of benefits, making it an ideal choice for many patients who require oral surgery. Here are some of the key advantages:

1. Reduced Anxiety and Fear

One of the biggest advantages of sedation dentistry is that it helps patients overcome fear and anxiety. Many patients avoid necessary dental procedures due to anxiety, which can lead to worsening oral health issues over time. Sedation allows you to receive the care you need without the added stress or fear.

2. Comfort During Complex Procedures

Some oral surgeries, such as dental implants or wisdom tooth extractions, can be lengthy and uncomfortable if performed without sedation. Sedation helps keep you comfortable throughout the procedure by numbing the sensation of discomfort and making the process feel shorter.

3. Fewer Appointments

With sedation, more dental work can be completed in a single visit. This is particularly beneficial for patients who need multiple procedures. Instead of spreading treatments over several appointments, sedation allows your oral surgeon to perform multiple procedures in one session, saving you time and reducing the number of visits required.

4. Easier for Patients with Gag Reflexes

Patients with strong gag reflexes may struggle to undergo dental treatments without feeling discomfort or nausea. Sedation dentistry relaxes the muscles, including those responsible for the gag reflex, making it easier for your oral surgeon to work and ensuring a more comfortable experience for you.

5. Enhanced Pain Management

While local anesthesia is used to numb the surgical area, sedation provides an additional layer of comfort by relaxing your body and reducing your perception of pain. This is especially important for patients undergoing complex or invasive procedures.

6. Little to No Memory of the Procedure

For many patients, the idea of remembering the details of the surgery is more distressing than the procedure itself. With deeper forms of sedation, such as IV sedation or general anesthesia, most patients will have little to no memory of the surgery, allowing for a much more relaxed experience.

What to Expect with Sedation Dentistry

At Associates in Oral and Implant Surgery, patient safety is our top priority. Here’s what you can expect when opting for sedation during your oral surgery:

1. Consultation and Evaluation During your initial consultation, Dr. DuVernois or Dr. Marshall will discuss your medical history, your anxiety levels, and the complexity of your procedure to determine the best sedation option for you. We’ll also explain the process, so you know exactly what to expect.
2. Pre-Surgery Instructions If you are undergoing oral or IV sedation, you’ll be given pre-surgery instructions, which may include fasting for several hours before the procedure. Be sure to arrange for a trusted friend or family member to drive you to and from the appointment, as you’ll need time to recover from the effects of the sedation.
3. The Procedure Once the sedation is administered, you’ll begin to feel relaxed and drowsy. Depending on the type of sedation, you may be conscious but deeply relaxed, or you may drift into a light sleep. Our team will monitor your vital signs throughout the procedure to ensure your safety and comfort.
4. Post-Surgery Recovery After the procedure, you’ll spend some time in our recovery area until the effects of the sedation wear off. If you received IV sedation or general anesthesia, it may take a few hours for the full effects to subside, so it’s important to have someone drive you home and assist you with the initial recovery period.

Why Choose Us for Sedation Dentistry in El Paso?

At Associates in Oral and Implant Surgery, we are committed to making your oral surgery experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Dr. Mark DuVernois and Dr. Scott Marshall are both board-certified oral surgeons with extensive experience in sedation dentistry, ensuring that each patient receives the highest level of care and safety.

Our team is dedicated to providing a calm and supportive environment where your individual needs are met. We offer personalized sedation options tailored to your comfort level, so you can feel confident and relaxed during your procedure.

‍