Sedation Dentistry

Do you suffer from dental phobia or put off important oral surgery or dental procedures because of your anxiety surrounding treatment?

Dr. Dustin J. Hopkin can provide comfortable, stress-free treatment with sedation dentistry at our Salt Lake City, UT, practice.

Discover how we make treatment easy and help you feel relaxed in the dentist's chair...

Considering Sedation Dentistry? If You're Nervous, You're Not Alone

Many patients put off important dental treatment for various personal reasons. Patients who ignore their dental care can negatively impact their overall health and may need expensive restorative work that could easily be prevented.

*According to a study in Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology

The Overall Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

Hopkin Oral Surgery Makes Your Comfort a Top Priority

Dr. Hopkin is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon with over ten years of experience. We also utilize state-of-the-art technology, such as 3D imaging equipment, to perform the safest and most effective procedures.

The team at Hopkin Oral Surgery understands that not all patients are comfortable undergoing treatment and aims to provide options to improve their experience with dentistry and oral surgery. To learn more about your options and whether sedation dentistry is right for you, contact our practice. You can request an appointment at our Salt Lake City, UT, office online or call:

(801) 277-3942

Still Feeling Nervous? Message Us to Take the First Step.

Why Patients Choose Us... "All of the staff are helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly."

We had a great experience at Dr. Hopkins’s office. He came highly recommended to us and we weren’t disappointed. The office staff is friendly. Dr. Hopkin’s is such a nice guy and he explained the procedure clearly. We will definitely go back if we are in need of an oral surgeon.

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I just had surgery. It was so quick and painless! The whole procedure started before I could get anxious. All of, the staff are helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly. But, most importantly, Dr. Hopkin is extremely skilled, like I said quick and painless. 10 out of 10 recommend!

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Levels of Sedation Dentistry

Our Salt Lake City, UT, office provides several types of sedation, ranging from minimally invasive local anesthesia to intravenous sedation. We want you to feel totally confident about your decision to undergo sedation, so Dr. Hopkin will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each technique and allow you to have input and the final say about your treatment plan.

Local Anesthesia

For patients who have minimal anxiety and wish to remain awake and aware during surgery, we can simply provide local anesthesia. By injecting a nerve-blocking agent into the treatment area, we will be able to stop the sensation of pain for a controlled period of time. Local anesthesia remains a popular option for patients because there are no preparatory requirements or fasting involved. It is also a suitable form of sedation for pregnant patients who require dental work.

Nitrous Oxide

Laughing gas, also known as nitrous oxide, is a minimally invasive, highly effective form of sedation. Used in conjunction with local sedation, it can help you feel relaxed during the length of your procedure. Nitrous oxide is safe and highly effective, allowing you to feel calm, yet responsive under its influence. Dr. Hopkin will fit a mask over your nose, allowing you to breathe the gas during your procedure. The effects will wear off when the mask is removed, making it a great option for patients who are looking for little downtime.

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation can range from having minimal to moderate effects depending on the medication and dosage. Oral conscious sedation is most often administered in the form of a pill. Patients are typically directed to take the medication about an hour before the procedure to remain relaxed throughout the entire appointment. While oral sedation will make you drowsy, you will still be awake during your treatment.

Intravenous (IV) Sedation

If you have severe anxiety about undergoing your oral surgery, we can discuss the option of IV sedation. An IV sedative requires Dr. Hopkin to insert a needle into the back of your hand or a vein in your arm. We can offer IV conscious sedation for patients who want to feel completely relaxed but do not mind staying awake during the procedure. Patients who are extremely anxious may benefit from IV general anesthesia, which induces a state of unconsciousness. To ensure your IV sedative is safe and effective, we suggest fasting and other preparatory techniques.

Different Methods Are Used To Administer Sedation

Sedation methods — Options include nitrous oxide, IV sedation, and oral sedation.

Can sedation dentistry work for anyone?

Certain Conditions Can Affect Your Candidacy

Be honest about your medical history with the dentist to ensure your safety. We might advise against sedation if you:

Are Pregnant or Nursing

Women who are pregnant may not be eligible for sedation dentistry depending on how far along they are. Certain medications might not be recommended if you are breastfeeding.

Have Allergies or Respiratory Conditions

If you are allergic to certain medications including benzodiazepines, oral sedation may not be right for you. Asthma and other issues with breathing might also affect your candidacy.

Suffer from Other Conditions

Certain conditions such as sleep apnea, heart disease, and glaucoma can increase the risk of complications from sedatives.

Will I feel sleepy or groggy after treatment with sedation dentistry?

What to Expect Following Your Procedure

Patients may experience some lingering side effects from sedatives. These will vary from patient to patient and depend on the type of sedation dentistry administered at our Salt Lake City, UT, practice. Here are a few things to keep in mind following your procedure...

We generally recommend you have someone drive you home from your appointment.

Driving

While the effects of nitrous oxide will dissipate quickly, the effects of IV and oral sedation take longer to leave your system. We recommend you have someone drive you home from your dental appointment and help you get anything you might need.

Side Effects

You may feel drowsy, groggy, or nauseous for a few hours. IV sedation can also cause a temporary headache for some patients. Side effects will vary depending on the patient but most are mild and are no cause for concern.

Activity Level

Make sure to take it easy as the medication wears off, especially if you have had extensive dental work. Avoid anything more than mild physical activity such as walking for the rest of the day, and until your body has time to rest and recuperate.

Contact Us Today to Learn More

"I am so thankful for Dr. Hopkin, his team, and his staff..."

"The woman that prepped me for surgery was one of the nicest, and calming people I've ever met, and made me feel completely comfortable, to the point where my anxiety was replaced with laughter. Before I was sedated everything was explained to me clearly and then, boom, I was put out and the the surgery was done. I think I woke up in about 20 minutes. I hardly experienced any lasting loopiness from the sedatives, and in the days following I have only experienced a minimal amount of pain. Thank you so so much."

Maya Morales

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