Sedation Dentistry at the Dentist’s Office Near You
Someone who has dental phobia can even resent entering a dental office. Have you resented visiting your dentist’s office due to fear and anxiety? There is good news for you. You can find out from your dentist how you can manage the anxiety during dental examinations and procedures.
In this blog, you will learn more about sedation dentistry. Therefore, you can discuss with your dentist the right sedation option for your next procedure.
What Does Sedation Dentistry Involve?
Sedation dentistry involves several techniques that dentists use to calm a patient before and during a dental procedure. Dentists can still use these sedation techniques to make a patient more comfortable during lengthy procedures.
However, dental sedation is not the only pain management method that dentists use. During procedures that require surgery, your dentist will still use local anesthesia to numb the site. For more invasive procedures, the dentist can recommend general anesthesia.
Since some patients are afraid of receiving numbing shots, the dentist can apply sedation first to make the patient feel relaxed. With some dental sedation techniques, you might not remember undergoing a procedure even when awake.
The various dental sedation techniques include:
Laughing Gas
Your dentist will use nitrous oxide or laughing gas to make you feel relaxed. He or she will apply a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen through a mask that the dentist puts over your nose.
The effects of the gas are mild, and you will start feeling them a few seconds after breathing in the gas. Nitrous oxide effects tend to wear off after a few minutes. Therefore, your dentist will recommend laughing gas for short procedures.
Some patients will relax enough with only laughing gas will others will need a complimenting sedation technique.
Oral Sedation
Oral or conscious sedation involves taking a dose of sedatives before your dental procedure. Depending on your condition, your dentist might recommend you take one pill the night before and another pill an hour before your procedure.
You will be awake during the procedure but feeling relaxed. This type of sedation would be significantly beneficial for patients with high levels of anxiety.
Although you will be awake during the procedure, you might remember very little about the procedure or nothing at all. Depending on your condition, your dentist might hook you up to a machine that monitors your heart rate, breath, and blood pressure. After the procedure, you will need somebody to drive you home since the effects do not wear off quickly.
IV Sedation
IV sedation has variants. You can be under IV sedation and be conscious. This technique is known as twilight sedation. You will feel sleepy and may not remember what happened during the procedure. However, you will not be unconscious, and your dentist can wake you up with a gentle tap on your shoulder.
The second option of IV sedation is general anesthesia or unconscious sedation. Only a patient who needs significant oral surgery or is resistant to other sedation methods can get general anesthesia.
During the procedure, you will be in a deep sleep, and nobody can wake you up until the effects of the anesthesia wear off. Your dentist or oral surgeon will recommend you organize your ride home since you might be feeling drowsy after the procedure.
What Are the Benefits of Sedation Dentistry?
Conscious sedation is beneficial for patients with a mild phobia. The signs of mild dental phobia can include feeling jittery when sitting in a dentist chair or even anxiety to schedule a dental appointment. Along with local anesthesia, sedation dentistry can be beneficial in the following ways:
- Make you feel more comfortable during dental procedures
- Relax your nerves
- Control gagging reflexes
- Avoid restlessness during lengthy dental procedures
- Reduce your anxiety when going for dental appointments
Where Can I Find a Sedation Dentist, Near Me?
Do you need sedation dentistry? Talk to your dentist about your anxiety and fears before receiving dental work. Your dentist will recommend a sedation technique that suits you, depending on your needs.
Do you need sedation dentistry services in Spring, TX? Dr. Paul Graf DDS a sedation dentist you can consider. With years of experience, he will ensure you are comfortable and relaxed during your dental procedure. Call him and schedule an appointment with him today for quality services.