Sedation

What it is. Sedation dentistry ranges from the most common anxiolysis sedation with a small pill, to in-office intravenous deep sedation, to general anesthesia at St. Joseph's Hospital.

When and why it's needed. Sedation is used to safely relieve discomfort and anxiety. The Dental Clinic of Marshfield SC offers a variety of sedation services

• Local anesthesia - medication administered topically or by injection into the tissue to eliminate sensation in that area
• Anxiolysis - medication, in the form of a pill, is taken before a dental appointment to relieve anxiety about dental treatment; a family member or friend must be present to drive you to and from the appointment
• Oral conscious sedation - the use of medications often combined with nitrous oxide treatment (laughing gas) to increase patient comfort in the dental environment
• IV sedation - intravenous delivery of drugs for invasive surgical procedures such as the removal of wisdom teeth
• General anesthesia - administered by an Anesthesiologist in the hospital operating room for long treatments; notably used for the disabled and children's dentistry