Do you feel a sense of dread or fear when you think about going to the dentist? Perhaps you don’t have a problem with dental cleanings but more complex procedures are intimidating. The unnecessary stress can have a variety of negative effects on your mind and body.
You should know that you don’t have to struggle with dental anxiety. There are ways to get the dental care you need without fear. Sedation dentistry can help you relax and have a much more positive experience.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is the use of medication to help patients relax for dental procedures. It can be administered in various forms with varying levels of sedation from mild to deep. The goal is to make it easier for anxious patients to receive dental treatment without fear and stress. Sedation may also be used for invasive or lengthy procedures to make the experience easier on the patient.
Types of Sedation Dentistry
There are 3 main types of sedation used in dental offices:
- Nitrous oxide. Jokingly called “laughing gas”, nitrous oxide is a gas that you breathe through a mask placed over your nose. It can help you feel more calm and relaxed as it takes effect, but you remain conscious. You may feel a heaviness in your arms and legs and a tingling feeling in your fingers and toes. After your procedure it wears off in just a few minutes of breathing regular air.
- Conscious sedation. An oral sedative can be prescribed in a pill or liquid form that you can take before arriving for your appointment. As it takes effect you will feel relaxed and maybe even a little sleepy. You will still be conscious, but more heavily sedated than you would be with nitrous oxide. Conscious oral sedation can take a few hours to wear off after your procedure.
- IV sedation. Intravenous sedation (IV) is administered through a needle placed in your arm or hand. It provides the deepest level of sedation available outside of a hospital setting. You are conscious enough to respond to questions and requests, but you most likely won’t remember anything about the procedure afterwards. IV sedation can take a few hours to wear off, so you will need to rest at home for the remainder of the day.
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry provides a wide variety of benefits:
- Reduced stress. Sedation dentistry reduces the total stress you experience when it comes to receiving dental care. The harmful effects of stress on your body and mind are greatly minimized or even prevented.
- Long term relief of dental anxiety. For many patients a positive experience with sedation dentistry can eliminate their dental anxiety altogether. You may find that you are no longer afraid of going to the dentist when sedation options are available.
- Time seems to pass more quickly. When you are sedated you are less aware of the passing of time. A procedure that takes an hour or more can feel like a matter of minutes. Next thing you know, you’re all done and ready to go home.
- Get the dental treatment you need. Some patients avoid getting the dental care they need due to their severe anxiety. Sedation dentistry allows you to get the restorative procedures you need that can save your natural teeth before it is too late.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sedation Dentistry
Are you awake while under sedation?
You are technically conscious while you are under the types of sedation we offer, meaning that you can still talk and move. You may just feel sleepy or groggy and not remember much about the procedure afterwards.
Is sedation dentistry worth it?
If you suffer from dental anxiety, sedation dentistry is definitely worth it. Instead of stress and fear, you can have a relaxing and positive experience, all while improving your oral health.