Do you get nervous before a dental procedure that you decide to endure the pain instead of going to the dentist? It’s normal for many people to have this fear, and this is where sedation dentistry comes in.
Dentists often use sedation to help patients feel relaxed and comfortable during dental procedures. If you’re worried about your next dental appointment, there’s no need to avoid your visit altogether, even if your pain is severe.
This article will shed some light on how sedation dentistry works and what type best works for different dental procedures.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is a way to create a comfortable, relaxing environment to make your dental treatment as pain-free as possible. In addition, it can help you feel more at ease so that you can focus on the positive results you will get from your dental work.
Sedation dentistry is also called conscious sedation or moderate sedation, and it involves taking a combination of medications before your appointment to make you feel comfortable and sleepy. The dentist will give you instructions about what to do before and after the procedure, including any restrictions after leaving the office.
If you’re looking for a way to manage your dental anxiety and make sure your treatment goes smoothly, sedation dentistry may be the right choice for you.
Types of Sedation Dentistry
There are a few different types of sedation dentistry, and your dentist will be able to recommend the best type for you. The most common types of sedation dentistry are:
-
Laughing Gas
Laughing gas is a mild to moderate sedative that can be used for dental procedures, including root canals, crowns, and fillings. It’s also sometimes used for wisdom teeth removal. You can breathe in the laughing gas through a face mask, which may have a valve that allows you to control gas flow.
The effects of laughing gas are similar to those of alcohol: you’ll feel relaxed, but you won’t be unconscious or unaware of what’s happening around you.
-
IV Sedation
Intravenous sedation is a safe and effective way to make you comfortable during your dental procedure. Depending on the pain tolerance, your dentist can either give you little sedation in which you are responsive or deeper sedation that makes you responsive to only painful stimuli.
IV sedation is used most commonly for patients who have difficulty tolerating the adverse effects of general anesthesia. Overall, it is an excellent option as it produces optimal relief and offers a comfortable experience.
-
General Anesthesia
General anesthesia is mostly used in patients undergoing invasive or lengthy dental procedures such as wisdom teeth removal or dental implant. While under general anesthesia, you don’t feel pain and won’t remember anything that happens during the procedure.
While it’s safer than local anesthesia alone, general anesthesia does have its risks and side effects, including nausea and vomiting after the procedure. There’s also a possibility of an allergic reaction if medications are used during the procedure.
-
Nitrous oxide
Nitrous oxide is sometimes referred to as “happy gas” because it produces feelings of euphoria when inhaled. It also causes nausea and dizziness for some people who use it for dental procedures.
Some dentists offer nitrous oxide in combination with oral sedatives that can slow down your heart rate and relax muscles in your body, making you less likely to move around while lying on the dentist’s chair.
-
Oral Sedation
This type of sedation is given orally or by mouth. Your dentist will provide you with a pill to take minutes or hours before the appointment. The pill will make you feel relaxed and sleepy, not feel pain during treatment.
The effects of the drug usually wear off after about eight hours. However, oral sedation may temporarily affect your memory and motor skills, so you’ll need a family member or friend to drive you home after your procedure.
Who Needs Sedation Dentistry?
If you have a dental phobia, a fear of the dentist, or are anxious about your next appointment due to past experiences, sedation dentistry may be right for you. Sedation dentistry can help those with:
- Anxiety about dental procedures
- Fear of needles
- Teeth sensitivity
- Extreme gag reflex
- Difficulty controlling movements
- Patients with special needs such as cognitive or physical
- Patients who require extensive surgical procedures
How Safe is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is usually a safe and effective way to address a patient’s anxiety. Nonetheless, it does carry the risk of some short-term side effects and complications. The most common adverse effects are:
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Hypersensitivity reactions to a few sedatives
- IV bruising
Allergic reactions can happen with oral sedation drugs, but the chances are rare. Sedation is usually safe for children, but the dentist may need to monitor the child before they’re ready to leave carefully. The side effects typically last for a day or two. In case you experience them for longer, call your dentist and schedule an appointment.
Sedation dentistry is usually avoided in pregnant people, but some dentists may administer nitrous oxide during the second trimester. However, it’s usually recommended to wait until after pregnancy to administer any sedation.
Affordable Sedation Dentist In Denver – DICC
Are you looking for an affordable sedation dentist near you in Denver? We understand that sedation can be expensive for many patients, and they may try to tolerate their pain and anxiety. Now there’s no need to endure pain needlessly.
Our expert dentists at DICC administer sedation carefully and monitor the reactions and procedures to ensure your comfort. If the thought of visiting your dentist makes you nervous, sedation dentistry can be the best choice for you. We make sure you receive optimal care and take care of your long-term dental health.
Book your appointment today by calling (720) 740-0696.
