Sleep / Sedation Dentistry Whether you need a simple filling or a complete smile reconstruction, our experienced team can help you receive the dental care you need while feeling deeply relaxed and comfortable.Many patients tell us they remember little or nothing about their appointment and are amazed at how easy the experience was. Why Patients Choose Excel Dental
Complete More Dentistry in One VisitOne of the greatest advantages of IV sedation is that we can often complete several procedures during a single appointment. Rather than making multiple trips to the dentist, many patients choose to complete fillings, crowns, extractions, implants, and other treatment while comfortably sedated. Patients appreciate fewer appointments, less time away from work, and the ability to finish treatment more efficiently. What To Expect When Undergoing SedationWhen you arrive at the office we will give you some pills in the waiting room and then take you back to the surgery room. We place several monitoring devices on your chest, arm, and finger. Once you are comfortable we place the IV and start administering the sleep medicines. One of the comments we hear most often is: "That was so much easier than I expected." Many patients who were once terrified of dental treatment now tell us they actually look forward to returning because of how comfortable the experience was. Why Patients Choose Sleep Dentistry at Excel DentalFor many patients, sedation dentistry transforms the entire dental experience. Instead of feeling anxious or overwhelmed, you can receive the care you need while feeling deeply relaxed and comfortable. Sleep dentistry may be an excellent option if you:
Many of our patients tell us their biggest regret is waiting so long to discover how comfortable dentistry can be with IV sedation. After experiencing sleep dentistry, they often say they would never choose another way to receive dental treatment. Sedation Options to Meet Your NeedsEvery patient experiences dental anxiety differently, which is why we offer several sedation options based on your medical history, treatment needs, and comfort level. Nitrous OxideNitrous oxide, commonly known as "laughing gas," is the most common type of dental sedation. Patients who undergo nitrous oxide sedation report feelings of euphoria and deep relaxation. The gas also takes and loses effect almost instantly, making it the only sedation that does not require you to arrange a ride after your appointment. The gas is administered through a facemask that is placed over the nose at the beginning of the procedure. Once we complete the procedure, we pump oxygen through the mask to reduce or eliminate post-operative side effects. Nitrous oxide is easy to control with minimal side-effects, making it one of the safest and most effective ways to eliminate anxiety. Ideal for mild anxiety. Remain awake. Drive yourself home. Oral Conscious SedationOral, or enteral sedation is also extremely common in dentistry. This type of sedation typically comes in the form of a pill or liquid. The medication typically makes you drowsy or groggy, but still alert enough to answer questions and understand your surroundings. Take medication before your appointment. Feel deeply relaxed. Most patients remember very little. IV SedationIV (intravenous) sedation is administered through the vein directly to the bloodstream. This allows medications to take effect more quickly. Because the administration of this type of sedation is a little more serious, we typically reserve them for complex or lengthy procedures like oral surgery. The IV sedation will place you on the edge of consciousness, with little or no recollection of the procedure.This form requires you to arrange a ride with a friend or family member following your appointment. Our most popular option for patients with moderate to severe dental anxiety or extensive treatment. Medication is adjusted continuously throughout your appointment to maximize comfort. Many patients feel as though they slept through their procedure and remember little afterwards. Many offices offer nitrous oxide or oral sedation, but relatively few are licensed to provide IV sedation that can be adjusted throughout treatment. General AnesthesiaWe currently do not offer general anesthesia. Your Safety Is Our Highest PriorityYour comfort is important—but your safety always comes first. Throughout your IV sedation appointment, a trained member of our team continuously monitors your condition while Dr. Jardine focuses on your dental treatment. Advanced monitoring equipment allows us to closely track your vital signs and ensure you remain comfortable throughout your procedure. During IV sedation, we continuously monitor:
Dr. Jardine has completed extensive education in dental anesthesia and maintains advanced licensing to provide IV sedation. He has also earned a Master degree in Sedation (MaCSD), reflecting advanced training in patient safety, sedation techniques, emergency preparedness, and comprehensive patient care. Before recommending any sedation option, we carefully review your medical history, current medications, and treatment needs to determine whether sedation is the safest and most appropriate option for you. Every sedation plan is tailored to the individual patient, helping ensure a comfortable, safe, and personalized experience. Our team regularly performs IV sedation procedures and maintains ongoing emergency training to ensure we are fully prepared while providing the highest level of patient care. Who BenefitsSleep and sedation dentistry may be a great fit if you:
Frequently Asked Questions About Sleep & Sedation DentistryCan you put me to sleep?Yes. With IV sedation, most patients feel as though they slept through their entire procedure, even though technically they're on the edge of consciousness rather than fully unconscious under general anesthesia (which we don't currently offer). Oral conscious sedation offers a similar deeply relaxed, drowsy state. Dr. Jardine will review your health history and treatment plan to recommend the option that's right for you. Will it Hurt?No. Sedation is always paired with local anesthetic to numb the treatment area, so you won't feel pain during the procedure. Most patients describe the experience as easy and far less stressful than they expected — one of the comments we hear most often is "that was so much easier than I expected." Will I remember anything?Most patients remember little to nothing about their appointment. This is especially true with IV sedation, where the medication is adjusted throughout treatment to keep you comfortable and minimize awareness of sights, sounds, and the passage of time. With oral conscious sedation, most patients also remember very little, though you'll remain awake enough to respond to questions. Is it safe?Yes. Your safety always comes first. During IV sedation, a trained team member continuously monitors your blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, breathing, and other vital signs while Dr. Jardine focuses on your treatment. Dr. Jardine has completed advanced training in dental anesthesia, holds a Master's degree in Sedation (MaCSD), and our team maintains ongoing emergency preparedness training. Before recommending sedation, we carefully review your medical history and current medications to make sure it's the right and safest choice for you. Can I get everything done at once?Often, yes. One of the biggest advantages of IV sedation is that it allows us to complete multiple procedures — such as fillings, crowns, extractions, and implants — in a single appointment. Instead of scheduling several separate visits, many patients prefer to finish their treatment in fewer trips to the office, saving time and minimizing time away from work. Schedule Your AppointmentIf you would like to learn more about sedation dentistry, call (360) 369-3930, and schedule your appointment today! |