Dental anxiety is a real thing. But it doesn’t have to be an excuse for avoiding the dentist.
With sedation dentistry, you can get all the treatment you need without a single moment of discomfort.
In this post, we’ll explore what sedation dentistry is, who should consider it, the different types of sedation dentistry available for you, and more!
Let’s get started!
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is a form of dental treatment that uses medication to reduce anxiety and stress. It can be used in combination with local anesthesia, or alone. Sedation dentistry is often used for patients who are afraid of dentistry, as it helps them feel more comfortable during their dental procedures.
Who Should Consider Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is for anyone who wants to enjoy their dental experience.
Sedation dentistry is a great option for those who:
- Have trouble staying still during dental procedures
- Are afraid of the dentist or experiencing anxiety about dental work
- If you have sensitive teeth or gums.
- Need work done that would be too painful to tolerate without a painkiller, such as full dentures or root canals
- Have difficulty opening their mouth wide enough to complete a procedure, such as wisdom teeth removal
Types of Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry is a great option for those who are nervous about going to the dentist or have experienced anxiety or panic when visiting their dentist in the past. Sedation dentistry can be done using a variety of different methods, including:
- Inhaled sedation: Inhaled sedation is a type of sleep apnea that’s used during dental procedures and is non-invasive. The patient will be given nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, through a face mask. This form of sedation won’t cause any memory loss after treatment has been completed.
- Oral sedation: Oral sedation is another option for those who don’t want to be put under general anesthesia but still need some form of relaxation during their appointment. This can come in the form of pills or liquid that the patient ingests before their appointment time—and it causes only mild drowsiness, so there’s no risk of memory loss or confusion afterward.
- IV Sedation: IV sedation is a type of conscious sedation, where you’re conscious but very relaxed. The IV provides a steady stream of medication that can be adjusted to keep you comfortable and relaxed throughout your procedure.
- General anesthesia: In general anesthesia, the patient is given an injection of a general anesthetic. This will put them into a state of unconsciousness. They will not be able to feel any pain during this time, but they will be unable to respond to any stimuli. The dentist can then perform any procedures that need to be done without worrying about the patient’s level of consciousness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is a form of dental care that uses medication to relax you and make your experience more comfortable. It’s often used to treat dental phobia since it can help you feel calm and relaxed throughout your visit. It can also be used in combination with other treatments like crowns and implants.
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
Yes! Sedation dentistry is one of the safest ways to treat dental phobia because it allows you to relax while keeping you safe and comfortable throughout the entire process.
What Are the Side Effects of Sedation Dentistry?
The most common side effect of sedation dentistry is feeling drowsy after treatment has been completed. You will not be able to drive yourself home or operate machinery for several hours afterward, so please make arrangements for someone else to drive you home after your appointment if necessary.
What Are the Benefits of Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is a safe, comfortable way to get the dental treatment you need. The most common benefit of sedation dentistry is that it allows you to relax and enjoy your dental visit without the stress of being awake. In addition, sedation dentistry can help you overcome any fear or anxiety about visiting the dentist.
How Do I Know if I’m a Good Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?
You may be a good candidate for this type of dental treatment if you have ever felt anxious about being at the dentist’s office or about having treatment done on your teeth. People who have had bad experiences in the past are also often good candidates for sedation dentistry because it allows them to feel more comfortable during their next visit.
How Long Does It Take for the Sedative to Work?
The length of time it takes for the sedative to work depends on how much medication is administered. For most people, it takes about 10 minutes for the medication to kick in. Your dentist will be able to tell you how long it will take for your particular dosage to work.