Just the thought of getting their teeth cleaned makes some people shudder with dread. Thus, the worry of actually needing dental work might last a lifetime. Many people would much rather suffer through a painful toothache than set foot inside a dental practice.
The real driving forces behind sedation dentistry are these individuals. For some dental patients, getting sedation during procedures helps to reduce anxiety. From minor, invasive treatments like dental cleanings to more involved, major surgeries, sedation dentistry near you can help. Depending on how intense the patient’s fear is, the sedative will be given in a different way.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry puts you at ease, calm, and relaxed during dental procedures. Although you are technically still awake, you are very relaxed due to the moderate sedation.
It is also sometimes referred to as “conscious sedation dentistry” because it causes short-term forgetfulness, also comprehended as “twilight sleep,” where you become less susceptible to pain without losing consciousness.
Different Types of Dental Sedation
Sedation dentistry comes in different levels, depending on your unique conditions. Important factors include your level of anxiety, the duration of the procedure, your medical background, and your personal preferences. The three most widely used sedation dentistry techniques are nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and intravenous (IV) sedation:
1. Nitrous Oxide
A common name for nitrous oxide is “laughing gas.” You will begin to feel relaxed three to five minutes after taking in the nitrous oxide gas through a mask or nosepiece. Your dentist controls the level of sedation you receive and makes any necessary adjustments throughout the procedure. Following the procedure, your dentist near you will administer pure oxygen to help your body rid itself of nitrous oxide. You can drive yourself home following the treatment because laughing gas leaves your system so rapidly.
2. Oral Sedation
Dentists utilize mild sedation for moderate tension. You only need to take a sedative, usually something like Valium, approximately one hour prior to your planned appointment. Nitrous oxide can be safely used with an oral sedative if the anxiety is more acute. You won’t be allowed to operate a vehicle following your dental surgery because this medication has a highly calming impact.
3. IV Sedation
The strongest and best way to calm a dental patient is intravenous sedation, usually referred to as “IV sedation.” Medication is administered to you through an IV in your arm. This allows the medicine to quickly and immediately enter your bloodstream, relaxing you. You won’t be completely asleep, but you won’t likely remember much of what happened while you were taking the medicine.
While being used, this type of dental sedation needs to be closely monitored. It’s crucial to maintain complete relaxation throughout the treatment while keeping an eye on your vital signs.
4. General Anesthesia
There is general anesthesia available for the most severe forms of anxiety. You will spend the duration of the treatment in a very deep sleep while being fully unconscious. You can’t be quickly awakened using this sedation technique, and the anesthetic must gradually fade off. Being under general anesthesia makes it extremely dangerous to try to drive yourself from your dental visit.
What are the Benefits of Dental Sedation?
Sedation dentistry can help you feel more comfortable and relaxed during dental procedures while also assisting you in overcoming fears and phobias. As a result of the dentist’s ability to work more quickly on you while you’re under anesthesia, fewer appointments might be required. Last but not least, many people avoid going to the dentist entirely because of their dental phobia. Sedation dentistry allows you to receive the care you need and deserve while feeling more relaxed.
Sedation Dentistry in Chaparral
Our dentist in Chaparral is ready to help you if you are worried or anxious about visiting the clinic.
To organize a casual meeting or consultation or to find out more about the painless dentistry services provided at Chaparral Dental Wellness, get in touch with our courteous and knowledgeable dentist in Sundance.
In order to ensure that your appointment at our dental office is painless and includes dental sedation, our sedation dentistry in Sundance will evaluate your general oral health and work with you to identify your needs.