Sedation dentistry allows patients to breathe easier, relax and comfortably experience a dental visit. Patients with extreme anxiety or heightened sensitivity or pain, even during regular teeth cleaning, are good candidates for sedation dentistry. At Three Rivers Dental, our extensive experience in sedation dentistry helps patients relax before, during, and following dental treatment.
Preparing for An Appointment
Call us at 1 (855) 4 NO FEARS to schedule a worry-free appointment. We encourage new patients to complete a New Patient Form prior to booking an appointment to indicate their comfort with seeing a dentist, dental sedation needs as well as health and medical history details for a personalized dental plan. The New Patient form can be completed online or downloaded from our website to, print, complete, and bring to the dental appointment along with a dental insurance card, legal photo ID, and list of current medications being taken.
During the Dental Exam
Sedation dentistry is possible for many patients experiencing pre-procedure dental anxiety or fear due to heightened sensitivity or pain, even during a regular dental exam and teeth cleaning. Each new patient receives a dental exam and xrays of the teeth, mouth and gums to review oral health status and a light exam cleaning, with the option to receive fluoride treatment. We will then schedule your next regular six-month dental checkup to establish a regular oral health routine or recommend a follow-up treatment plan or complex cleaning appointment to address any oral health issues.
Dental Treatment While You Sleep
Dental sedation can be considered an option for patients undergoing invasive dental procedures including cavity fillings or tooth extractions and is helpful for easing the mind, calming nerves, providing relaxation, and helping a patient breathe easier while in the dental chair. It is also useful for patients with sensitive teeth or oral sensitivity that triggers gagging, a pharyngeal reflex or laryngeal spasm. The dentists and Anesthesia team at Three Rivers Dental Group are trained in accordance with American Dental Association standards and always put patient health and well-being first. Before recommending sedation dentistry, our dentists will carefully review patient health and medical history, and if needed will consult with your primary care physician or specialist for medical clearance.
Our Sedation Dentistry Options
We offer safe and effective sedation dentistry options to calm dental anxiety and relax patients during dental visits. Methods of delivery can be adjusted based on the intensity of the procedure. Our sedation options include:
- Oral Sedation: This type of pill sedation is for minimal relief. A pill is usually taken an hour before the procedure. You will still be awake after you take this pill, but you will feel drowsy. Some people begin to feel groggy or fall asleep with this type of sedation.
- Inhaled Minimal Sedation: Otherwise known as laughing gas, this type of sedation helps reduce pain and anxiety. The dentist can also control the amount you receive to tailor it to your comfort level. Since the gas tends to wear off quickly and is reversed with pure oxygen, this is the only sedation that may allow you to drive yourself home after the procedure.
- IV Moderate Sedation: This type of sedation is introduced through an IV and acts quickly to help you relax. During treatment, the anesthesia provider can continually adjust the level.
Three Rivers Dental Group understands going to the dentist can often be met with fear. We’ve developed an environment designed to comfort and ease dental fear so that every patient can achieve a healthy, beautiful, smile. You can feel confident in the level of care you’ll receive here and you’ll be shocked at just how easy going to the dentist can be. Contact us at 1 (855) 4 NO FEARS to schedule a worry-free appointment. We are conveniently located throughout the Pittsburgh area in Cranberry, Greentree, and Greensburg.