Sedation

Dr. Lee Fitzgerald’s office offers three types of sedation for dental implants:

Nitrous Oxide Sedation – Most think of this as “Nitrous” or “Laughing Gas”. You breathe through your nose, it has a quick on-set of action, provides a mild sedative, and when we stop giving it to you your sedation stops. You will be able to drive home and go about your day normally. The limits to Nitrous Oxide are patients are highly variable in how it affects them. It can affect some greatly while others are not affected at all.

Oral / Enteral Sedation – Oral medication is given with or without Nitrous Oxide. It is one of the most common and safe sedatives. You will maintain your breathing reflexes and most patients do not remember the dental visit. The sedation effects of this sedative vary between patients. You cannot drive or make any significant decisions on the day of sedation. You may not remember the visit or anything you have said or done that day. You will need to have a responsible adult take you home and stay with you until the sedative has worn off. This is usually until the evening of the appointment. You are not allowed to drive the day of sedation.

I.V. – Intravenous Sedation – Is defined as conscious sedation.  You are at a much deeper sedation than the previous but still maintaining your breathing reflexes. You receive sedation medication via an I. V. This is usually used in longer procedures. You will need to have someone take you home and stay with you until the effects of the sedation are gone. This is usually until the evening of the appointment. You will not be functional that day so you may not drive or conduct any type of business.

Dr. Lee Fitzgerald is located in Plano, a short drive from North Dallas, Frisco and other parts of the DFW metroplex.