Are you so phobic about dental procedures that you would rather endure tooth pain than step foot in a dentist's office? Dental sedation might be the answer to your problem. But what exactly is dental sedation? And what does it involve? Read on as we answer these questions and more about dental sedation.
Put simply, dental sedation is a safe and effective way to relieve anxiety and make dental procedures much more manageable for patients.
Dental Sedation has many advantages, including:
Relieving Anxiety
Dental sedation provides a calming effect, allowing patients to be relaxed in a potentially frightening environment. This helps ensure that the visit goes smoothly and that the patient's care is tailored correctly to their individual needs and comfort levels.
Reducing Gag Reflex
Sometimes the dentist may need to work on areas of the mouth that are especially sensitive and require a delicate touch for proper treatment. These procedures can make individuals who already feel anxious even more uncomfortable due to their natural gag reflex.
Sedation helps relax the patient so they don't struggle as much with their gag reflex during the dental procedure, thereby allowing the dentist to do their job more effectively and efficiently.
Allowing the Dentist to Work Faster and More Efficiently
Sedation relaxes muscles, allowing you to be completely relaxed during your dental procedure. This can enable the dentist to perform treatments more efficiently than they would hadn't you been sedated.
Further, it ensures that the dentist is able to carry out complex dental procedures, such as an extraction and root canal treatment, with minimum fuss. This allows for a smoother experience, which helps reduce any subsequent trauma and better preserves the condition of teeth for future treatments.
There are three main types of dental sedation, namely:
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide or laughing gas is an inhalable mild sedative administered through a mask to provide a relaxed feeling and reduce anxiety and discomfort. It's a good option for patients who have mild to moderate anxiety.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation is a pill that is taken prior to the dental procedure. It's a mild to moderate sedative that provides a relaxed feeling and reduces anxiety. This type of sedation is good for patients who have moderate to severe anxiety.
Intravenous (IV) Sedation
Intravenous (IV) sedation is a type of sedation that is administered through an IV directly into the patient's bloodstream. It's a moderate to deep sedative that provides a relaxed feeling and reduces anxiety. This type of sedation is good for patients who have severe anxiety or for procedures that are more invasive.
Like any procedure, there are risks associated with dental sedation. These may include feeling sleepy, experiencing short-term memory loss, having slowed response times, and low blood pressure. However, these side effects are temporary and typically resolve within a few hours.
Yes, you can. In fact, some patients prefer to have dental sedation even for routine cleanings or check-ups to help them feel more relaxed and comfortable. Simply talk to your dentist and they'll advise you on the best sedation for your case.
Are you in Phoenix and looking for a dentist that truly cares about your comfort and well-being? Look no further than Dental Home Family Dentistry.
Our compassionate and warmhearted team of dental professionals will help you overcome any anxiety you may have about dental procedures and ensure you receive the highest quality of care.
And it doesn't matter if it’s a simple cleaning or a more invasive procedure, we'll make your visit as stress-free and comfortable as possible. Call us at (602) 863-3000 to schedule an appointment.
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