IV Sedation & Patient Comfort in Fairfield, CT


Cosmetic & Reconstructive Dentistry provides IV sedation and other patient comfort services in Fairfield, CT. Call 203-255-6878 or click here to book an appointment.

If you’re feeling anxious about having a dental procedure, sedation dentistry and other mindfulness comfort options, can make the experience much easier while making you more comfortable and relaxed.  At Cosmetic & Reconstructive Dentistry in Fairfield, CT, we offer a variety of anesthesia, IV sedation, and therapeutic comfort and relaxation options to keep you calm and comfortable throughout your dental procedure.

IV Sedation Dentistry


IV sedation, also known as conscious sedation, is administered intravenously through a vein in your arm or hand. When you have this type of sedation, you’re actually still conscious, even though you may feel as if you’re sleeping through the procedure. It’s also known as twilight anesthesia, because you’re simply groggy, not fully aware of what is happening during the procedure. Then, when the IV sedation wears off, you won’t have any memories of your dental treatment.

The process is extremely safe, because unlike general anesthesia, you will breathe on your own while under IV sedation, and you won’t need your heart rate monitored. IV sedation is used in conjunction with local anesthetic injections—the sedation helps you relax, while the local anesthetic ensures you’re comfortable.

At Cosmetic & Reconstructive Dentistry, Dr. Donald Miller and team follow American Dental Association guidelines on the use of sedation in dentistry to make sure our patients’ safety is assured.

Ultimately, you should feel comfortable and calm, with our IV sedation effectively putting a stop to discomfort for procedures ranging from simple fillings to the removal of wisdom teeth and placement of dental implants.

General Anesthesia

When general anesthesia is used in dentistry, you’ll experience a complete loss of consciousness. Because general anesthesia can impair cardiovascular and respiratory function, any dental treatment performed under general anesthesia must involve an anesthesiology team who will monitor the patient while the dentist performs the procedure.

General anesthesia is rarely used in a dental setting. It’s reserved for extensive dental work and can also be a resource for patients who have special needs or sensitivities. In most circumstances, IV sedation is completely sufficient, with patients feeling as if they’re sleeping during the procedure yet without conscious memory of the dental work when fully conscious again.

Bring a Companion for a Sedation Procedure

Whether you are getting general anesthesia or IV sedation, you’ll need to have someone accompany you to our office and drive you home after your procedure.

Mindfulness Comfort Options

There are several non-pharmaceutical, mindfulness comfort treatments designed to reduce dental anxiety to allow you to be comfortable during your visits to the dentist.

Cosmetic & Reconstructive Dentistry offers mindfulness comfort options including aromatherapy, sound and breathing-based relaxation, Reiki, Vibrational Frequency Healing, and noise cancelling headphones.

Are Mindfulness Comfort Options for You?

  • Are you having difficulties sleeping the night before a visit to the dentist?
    Are you avoiding a dental hygiene visit due to anxiety or fear?
  • Are you delaying needed dental care due to anxiety or fear?
  • Do you have a physical reaction to the thought of an upcoming dental appointment?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, then mindfulness comfort options can make your next visit to the dentist less stressful and more peaceful. These options will reduce stress, fear, and anxiety by helping you relax in the present moment and by aiding in your focus through breathing, guided meditation, and muscle relaxion.

Ready to Learn More?

If you’re considering IV sedation or mindfulness comfort options for an oral procedure, please contact Cosmetic & Reconstructive Dentistry at 203-255-6878 to schedule a complimentary consultation today. Dr. Donald Miller can assess which dental sedation option is best to meet your needs.


FAQs About Sedation Services

I get nervous before I even get a filling. Can sedation help?

Our goal is to make you feel as comfortable as possible during any dental procedure and sedation can help.  We can definitely help you assess when sedation is the right choice for you.

Is getting a root canal painful?

A root canal isn't any more painful than getting a filling. Some patients are scared of root canals because they assume they will hurt. But actually, a root canal should remove the pain and discomfort you may be feeling from a badly damaged or decayed tooth.

What does getting a dental implant entail?

All implants have three different parts: the artificial tooth root that serves as a base for your replacement tooth; a metal frame attached to the base, designed to hold an artificial tooth; and then there is the artificial tooth itself, which fills any gaps between teeth. Receiving a dental implant involves multiple steps, starting with removal of a damaged tooth if necessary, bone grafting to stabilize the jawbone when necessary, the placement of the metal implant post, followed by bone growth and healing before the abutment is placed and an artificial tooth or crown is attached.

Is IV Sedation Dentistry safe?

Sedation dentistry is both safe and effective. It is a low risk form of sedation, the effects of which wear off quickly but provide no memory of the dental procedure. Contact Dr. Donald Miller of Cosmetic & Reconstructive Dentistry in Fairfield, CT today at 203-255-6878 to schedule a complimentary consultation. Or click here to schedule an appointment online.


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