There are many reasons someone might hold off on going to the dentist, and fear, discomfort, and anxiety are among the most common. In fact, many people fear going to the dentist, yet dental anxiety does not have to keep you from maintaining a healthy mouth. Sedation dentistry helps patients feel relaxed and calm during their appointments.
In this article, we will discuss what sedation is, who it is designed for, and how sedation can change your life if you are nervous about going to the dentist.
Sedation Dentistry Makes Dental Visits More Comfortable
Sedation is the administration of safe medications that will help patients relax while receiving dental care. Depending on the method — nitrous oxide, oral sedatives, or IV sedation — patients may feel calm, drowsy, or barely aware of the procedure. The primary goal of sedation is to provide patients with comfort throughout their dental visit. Still, only deeper levels of sedation will put a person to sleep in some instances.
Sedation dentistry can be beneficial for patients who
- are anxious, fearful
- have a sensitive gag reflex
- cannot sit still during lengthy procedures
- have had a traumatic experience in the past
- are very sensitive to sound and equipment
- need multiple treatments completed in one visit
Although sedation dentistry is designed to help reduce the emotional stress, anxiety, and tension that many patients experience before and during an appointment, it does not substitute for pain management through anesthesia or numbing agents.
Understanding Sedation Dentistry & Its Types
The sedation option a patient chooses depends on the dental procedure they will receive and how comfortable they feel about the appointment. Some of the common types of sedation used in dentistry include:
- Nitrous Oxide: This type of sedation is the mildest and helps relax you during your visit to the office; it wears off fairly quickly.
- Oral Sedation: This form of sedation is accomplished by taking a pill before arriving at the dental office. This will let you feel calmer before the procedure begins.
- IV Sedation: This is the strongest form of sedation and is used for more involved procedures.
A sedation dentist in Waco is the preferred option for many patients seeking gentler, more comfortable dental care. Patients suffering from dental anxiety often stayed away from the dentist for many months or years.
Each form of sedation dentistry is closely monitored for patient safety and is a safe option when performed by someone adequately trained. Throughout the procedure, your vital signs, including oxygen level, pulse rate, and level of consciousness, will be monitored. Almost all patients do not remember anything about the dental procedure or treatment after being sedated; this knowledge can significantly reduce fear among those who fear going to the dentist.
Who Can Benefit Most from Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation is not only beneficial for procedures that require sedation (such as extensive oral surgery), but also beneficial for many routine dental procedures. People who struggle with the following conditions can greatly benefit from the use of sedation dentistry:
- Anxiety before going to the dentist
- Low pain tolerance
- Have difficulty sitting still because of their medical or behavioral problems
- Strong gag reflex
- Previous negative experiences with the dentist
- Extensive dental treatment needs
- Children who are scared to go for a dental visit
Even routine dental treatments (for example, dental cleanings, fillings, crowns, and many others) can be easier for patients who struggle with anxiety and sensitivity.
Things You Should Know About Your Appointments Scheduled for Sedation
Here’s how a typical visit works:
1. Consultation or Medical Review
During this visit, the sedation dentist in Waco will get your medical history and review your level of anxiety to determine what type of sedation is the best option.
2. Pre-Procedure Directions
Some medications or procedures you may receive (e.g., propofol or other injections) may require you not to eat or drink until the time of the appointment. You will be given clear directions before your appointment.
3. Administration Of Sedation
Most dental appointments scheduled for sedation will involve either nitrous oxide inhalation, oral medication, or IV sedation administered by a trained medical professional.
4. Relaxed Dental Care
Regardless of the sedation method, patients will receive dental care in a relaxed manner while the sedation dentist in Waco performs the necessary treatment to maintain good oral health.
5. Recovery or Aftercare
Most patients will recover quickly from nitrous oxide gas and do not need assistance getting home. However, patients who have had oral medicine or IV sedation will likely need someone to drive them home after the appointment.
Better Way To Care For Your Mouth
Patients are entitled to a worry-free and relaxed dental experience. Sedation dentistry offers a pathway for patients who have avoided dental care due to fear of pain or sensitivity, or a history of dental injuries. It all starts with the patient’s comfort, and in today’s dental care, sedation makes that possible.
The Pathway To A Carefree Dental Journey
Patients seeking a relaxing, stress-free dental experience are encouraged to schedule a consultation with WM Dentistry of Waco to discover whether sedation dentistry is right for them. You deserve to be comfortable during your visit, so let’s help make your next visit one you’ll look forward to.
FAQs
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe For Most Adults?
Yes. Sedation dentistry is safe for most healthy adults when performed by trained personnel who carefully monitor patients throughout the procedure.
Will I Feel Pain At My Sedation Appointment?
You will not feel any pain because you will be relaxed due to being sedated, and you will have local anesthesia during the appointment. All patients report that the procedure was more straightforward and calmer because of sedation.
Do Kids Have Access to Dental Sedation?
Mild sedation (using nitrous oxide) is a routine practice for children who experience anxiety; however, assessments should be taken into consideration beforehand.
How Long Will My Dental Sedation Last?
Nitrous oxide does not take very long to leave your system; however, oral or IV sedation can stay in your system for several hours, therefore, you may not be able to drive home afterwards.
What Dental Procedures Use Sedation?
Dental cleanings, dental fillings, dental implants, root canals, and complex multi-step procedures can all be performed comfortably with sedation dentistry.
What Must I Do to Prepare for Dental Sedation?
Depending on the type of anesthetic prescribed for you, you may need to refrain from eating before your appointment. Your dentist will provide you with specific instructions.
Will I Remember My Dental Procedure Afterward?
Most patients will either not remember anything from their sedation or very little; this is an excellent benefit of being sedated for patients with dental anxiety and sensitivity.
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