We have a board certified physician available to perform IV sedation during your dental procedures. Intravenous conscious sedation dentistry is a method of performing dental treatments while a patient is in a relaxed state due to anesthesia administered directly into the bloodstream. This is ideal for people who are dental phobics of who require extensive dental work that might require too long a time for the patient to remain comfortable.

During the IV sedation procedure, Dr. Danoff will perform your dental procedures after the anesthesiologist intravenously administers anesthesia. You will experience a sensation of sleep, but you will be conscious enough to respond to Dr. Danoff's requests. Before the dental procedure, but after the IV sedation is administered, you will be given Novacaine. Most likely, you will have very little recall of your dental treatment.

Although you will be in a relaxed state during the IV sedation procedure and you should not operate heavy machinery for at least 24 hours after the procedure, the side effects of the IV sedation are minimal. You will not be able to drive yourself home after IV sedation. Dr. Danoff and the anesthesiologist will provide you with specific post operative instructions.

Injection or intravenous (into a vein) methods require more experience to be administered and monitored properly. Injections and intravenous medications should be used only by dentists with extensive training in these techniques.

General anesthesia puts a patient into a deep sleep. He or she is unable to feel pain or to move around. General anesthesia may be recommended if the patient:

- Can't relax or calm down enough for treatment to be performed safely, even with conscious sedation and other behavior management techniques

- Needs oral surgery or other dental treatment that would be difficult for the patient to tolerate while awake

- Needs a lot of dental work that can best be done in one long appointment rather than many shorter visits

- Has a medical, physical or emotional disability that limits his or her ability to understand directions and be treated safely as an outpatient

Some general dentists have received training and a certification in general anesthesia, while others contract with an anesthesiologist. These professionals are trained to deliver the medications and monitor patients during the procedure and handle any complications that may occur.

Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is most often used for patients who are mildly or moderately anxious or nervous. It eases their fears so that they can relax and receive treatment comfortably and safely. Nitrous oxide is administered by placing a small mask over the patient's nose. As the gas begins to work, the patient becomes calm, but is still awake and can communicate. When the gas is turned off, the effects of sedation wear off almost immediately.