If you suffer from dental anxiety, you’re not alone. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, 25 million Americans avoid dental visits because of fear or anxiety. Dr. McCracken helps patients address dental anxiety and face dental visits with confidence. He offers a variety of sedation methods that create a sense of calm and peacefulness.

Is sedation dentistry right for me?

At your sedation dentistry appointment, Dr. McCracken will review your medical history and discuss your fears to determine the right sedation method for you. Millions of people around the world rely on sedation dentistry to achieve beautiful, healthy smiles. Modern sedation methods are safe, effective, and reliable.

Our sedation methods include:

Nitrous oxide: Often called laughing gas, nitrous oxide is inhaled through a comfortable nasal mask during treatment. The gas eliminates discomfort and creates a sense of warmth and tranquility. Nitrous is safe for kids and adults. The effects of the gas diminish immediately upon removal of the mask to let you resume normal activities right away.

Oral Sedation: A commonly prescribed sedative taken prior to dental treatments delivers a sense of complete mental and physical relaxation. Many people think that oral sedation puts people completely to sleep. This isn’t the case, although some patients become so relaxed that they doze off during their treatments. With oral sedation, you can talk to our staff to answer questions and relay your needs. Oral sedation wears off gradually. Expect to get back to your regular schedule the evening following your dental treatments.

IV Sedation: Our deepest form of sedation involves medication injected directly into the bloodstream. An oral surgeon that we bring into the office administers IV sedation. You’ll experience intense relaxation but, as with oral sedation, won’t be completely “under.” The effects of IV sedation diminish gradually, and most patients return to a regular routine the day following their IV sedation appointment.

For your safety and comfort, we’ll monitor you throughout your sedation dentistry appointment. Safe, soothing sedation lets Dr. McCracken potentially complete several procedures in a single session to reverse years of damage or neglect. Time flies during a sedation dentistry appointment, and patients emerge from sedation with no memory of treatment details.