Sedation Dentistry
While oral surgery is often necessary and has great benefits, many patients are made nervous by advanced dental treatment.
To help our patients relax during their procedures and minimize discomfort, we are happy to offer sedation options.
Could sedation dentistry at The Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center of Santa Fe help you?
Does Sedation Dentistry Mean Laughing Gas?
Many general dentists offer sedation in the form of nitrous oxide, also called laughing gas, to ease dental anxiety during fillings and routine cleanings. Our Santa Fe, NM. practice offers stronger sedation methods to accompany your oral surgery. We understand that maxillofacial surgery, sinus lifts, implant placement, and other oral surgeries can be intimidating. The sedation methods we provide help you effectively leave your anxieties at the door and get the dental care you need.
Sedation Dentistry Methods
At The Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center of Santa Fe, we are passionate about providing the best possible care for our patients. We offer two forms of sedation dentistry at our office: oral sedation and intravenous (IV) sedation. Each form of sedation can help you beat dental anxiety – even regarding oral surgery – since they are stronger than nitrous oxide. Here's an overview of the two methods you can choose from at your appointment:
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral sedation is a conservative sedation option popular among dentists. Dr. Healy will prescribe anti-anxiety medications, typically instructing you to take one dose at home and another dose when you come in for your treatment.
Depending on the amount of sedative he prescribes, the medications may simply help you relax, or they could produce a twilight sleep. In this state of conscious sedation, you will technically be awake, and you can answer questions from our team. At the same time, however, you will not really be aware of what is going on. When the twilight sleep wears off, you will remember little or nothing about your dental surgery.
Whatever the size of your dose, it will take several hours for the effects of the sedative to wear off, so you should arrange a ride to and from your dental appointment at our Santa Fe, NM, office. Oral sedation can be a good option if you are feeling very nervous about your procedure, if dentistry causes you anxiety, or if you are going to have a moderately complex surgery.
IV Sedation
IV sedation is the deepest form of dental sedation that we offer. In fact, depending on the amount of sedative that you receive, the medications can put you to sleep completely. We will typically recommend IV sedation if you are preparing for a complex dental procedure, if dentists or dentistry cause you extreme anxiety, or if you suffer from a condition like arthritis or back pain.
IV sedation is very safe because Dr. Healy can monitor your heart rate and oxygen levels during your treatment. He can then adjust the level of medication throughout your surgery to ensure your complete comfort and safety. In fact, as part of his training as an oral surgeon, Dr. Healy completed a four-month residency in general anesthesia. Because he is certified in sedation dentistry, he also has advanced training in cardiac life support. Though complications from IV sedation are rare, Dr. Healy is ready to handle any emergency.
The Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
Increased Relaxation
Both of our sedation options will help you enter a relaxed, tranquil state so you can remain calm and collected during your procedure.
Increased Comfort
Sedation will dull your senses so you experience less discomfort during your dental surgery.
Increased Efficiency
Because sedation makes you more comfortable and cooperative, our oral surgeons are often able to complete treatment in less time.
"We do a wonderful job with the patients."
At Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center of Santa Fe, serving patients of Taos, Los Alamos, and the surrounding area, we offer multiple types of sedation dentistry. Sedation can help you achieve a calm, sleep-like state so that you can relax during complex or lengthy procedures. Dr. Sean Healy and Dr. Diego Hurtado will help you choose an appropriate level of sedation based on your concerns and symptoms.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If your dentist has recommended you see an oral surgeon for wisdom teeth removal, dental implant placement, or some other dental treatment, we invite you to contact The Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center of Santa Fe today. Our surgeons, Drs. Sean M. Healy and Diego Hurtado, have completed advanced training beyond basic dental school to specialize in oral surgery, and they incorporate dental sedation into most of our procedures.
Our office in Santa Fe, NM, serves patients from surrounding communities. Dentists refer patients to us from areas like Taos, Los Alamos, Española, and Las Vegas. To schedule a consultation, please fill out our online form or call
(505) 984-0694
"I had zero fears about my surgery." Your Kind Reviews Make Our Day
Donna Milanovich Srajer
Santa Fe, NM
2023
Dr Diego Hurtado and his office and staff are just wonderful. Dr Hurtado answered all my many questions respectfully and with much patience and kindness. The extraction went well and the healing process also. He saw me for a follow up. He even noted that I should check out an unrelated tooth with my local dentist which turned out to have a cavity. He is a highly observant oral surgeon that goes the extra mile. I highly recommend him.
View on GoogleTonya Navarro
Santa Fe, NM
2019
The entire staff all have hearts of gold. Dr. Healey and his assistant Charlie were amazing with my wisdom teeth extraction. Not only did Dr. Healey have an excellent and professional yet warm and caring manner to him, he truly knows his stuff. I had zero fears about my surgery and I am glad my experience was with him. Highly recommended!
View on GoogleHow Can Sedation Dentistry Help You?
We will only suggest adding sedation onto your treatment plan if we feel it's necessary for you to get the care you need. Sedation is strongly recommended to help patients struggling with the following concerns get the dental treatment they need:
Anxiety
While you may be fine with going to the dentist for regular checkups, visiting an oral surgeon may be a new experience for you and produce feelings of anxiety. Sedation dentistry can help anxious patients experience less fear before and during surgery.
Strong Gag Reflex
Patients with a strong gag reflex can find oral surgery highly uncomfortable. Sedation dentistry may be suggested to help you relax during treatment and allow our doctors to work more efficiently without interruptions.
Difficulty Sitting Still
Patients with Parkinson's disease, severe arthritis, and other conditions that make sitting motionless for long periods difficult can get the dental care they need with the sedation methods offered at our Santa Fe office.
WE USE TECHNOLOGY To Keep You Safe
We understand patients may be hesitant about sedation methods stronger than nitrous oxide. Rest assured that we put your safety first through top-of-the-line monitoring technology. As well as having staff members trained in ACLS and CPR, we use advanced technology to monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration throughout surgery. Technology we use includes:
Our Team Makes Patient Care the Priority Request an Appointment Today
You can rest easy thanks to sedation dentistry, the technology we use, and the knowledge that our trained team has your safety top of mind. Both of our surgeons are board certified, and as part of his training in oral surgery Dr. Healy completed a residency program in general anesthesiology. Our staff is also trained in advanced cardiovascular life support and CPR, to ensure all bases of safety are covered when under our care.
Find out how you can experience comfortable, stress-free dental care. Contact our Santa Fe office, serving patients of Taos, Los Alamos, and throughout New Mexico, for more information about sedation dentistry.
(505) 984-0694
"Smooth and painless." Santa Fe Patients Review Our Office
Max Davis
Santa Fe, NM
2021
These folks totally saved me by working me into their schedule for an emergency extraction. No exaggeration.... I had a dangerous situation. I'm totally indebted to them. They were efficient and knowledgeable, AND super friendly.
View on GoogleSasha SH
Santa Fe, NM
2020
Dr. Diego Hurtado and his assistant Yvette did an amazing job extracting my wisdom tooth! Smooth and painless. I was lucky to end up at their clinic. Everyone appeared knowledgeable, professional, very polite and caring. Muchas Gracias!
View on Google"I don't dread my appointments."
Patty came to Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center of Santa Fe after realizing she needed a tooth extraction and a dental implant. Although her procedure spanned several appointments, she felt comfortable, relaxed, and informed throughout the entire process. In this dental implants testimonial, she recommends our oral surgery practice to others because of our friendly doctors, caring staff, and beautiful office.
Candidacy for Sedation Dentistry
Our sedation dentistry options are highly effective, and the right one for you will depend on your particular dental goals, how anxious you are about dentistry, and your upcoming treatment. Factors that can affect your candidacy for receiving dental care with sedation include:
Overall Health
Certain health issues such as COPD or depression can limit your candidacy for sedation dentistry.
Pregnancy
Pregnant women should generally avoid sedation dentistry.
Allergies
Make sure to thoroughly communicate all of your allergies during your consultation with our team, as some medications or sedatives could trigger an allergic reaction.
Substance Abuse
Patients with a history of substance abuse should consider whether the effects of conscious sedation will have an impact on their recovery.
What Does Sedation Dentistry Cost?
Cost varies from case to case based on the extent of the procedure and the sedative used. Patients can usually expect to pay $350 to $850. Dental insurance may or may not cover the added cost of sedation. We will help you work with your dentist and your insurance company to make treatment as affordable as possible.
"Patients feel comfortable and relaxed." Thanks for the Caring Reviews, Santa Fe!
Lois
Santa Fe, NM
2020
Dr Hurtado is a master in his profession and is kind and makes his patients feel comfortable and relaxed. I couldn’t refer him more highly.
View on Googlemark martinez
Santa Fe, NM
2020
This place is amazing! Friendly staff and awesome experience. I got a tooth extracted was in and out and no. Soreness what so ever the next day. Highly recommend them.
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