(Newswire.net — September 3, 2019) — When you’re anxious about pain or dentistry in general, you may opt for what’s often referred to as sleep dentistry. This type of dentistry is made possible thanks to the different styles of dental sedation. Evaluate your options then talk to your dentist about the right dental sedation options for your next procedure.
Dental Sedation Options
This post will explain dental sedation as well as the different types of sedation dentistry. It explains oral sedation, laughing gas and IV sedation, and when they’re used during dental procedures that boost overall health.
What Is Dental Sedation?
Dental sedation refers to a wide range of techniques used to either calm a patient before or during a dental procedure. It’s also used to make patients more comfortable during long procedures. Many people have heard of laughing gas, which is often used before dental procedures such as root canals and crowns. However, dental sedation is more varied and complex, with a wide range of options for patients who feel anxious or even fear visiting a dentist.
Dental sedation doesn’t include the pain management your dentist will give you as that part of the procedure is covered by shots and numbing agents. However, if you’re afraid of getting a shot in your gums, dental sedation can calm you to a point where you can handle receiving a shot.
Types Of Sedation Dentistry
Laughing Gas
Laughing gas (Nitrous oxide) is used during dental procedures to relax patients. Laughing gas leaves you conscious but the effects wear off quickly once you stop breathing it in. Your dentist will typically administer laughing gas, which you’ll have to breathe through the nose apparatus. The effects are mild, and you’ll start to feel the gas very quickly.
Oral Sedation
This involves taking a prescribed dose of sedative before the dental procedure. You’ll take the sedative as directed by your doctor or dentist, usually one pill the night before and one pill an hour before the procedure. This type of sedation relaxes you but leaves you awake for the procedure. Patients with higher levels of anxiety often benefit from this type of sedation.
Though you stay awake during oral sedation, you’re likely to remember either nothing at all or very little after the appointment. Depending on your case, you may be hooked to equipment that monitors your breathing, blood pressure or heart rate, or you may not require such monitoring. It all depends on your dentist’s recommendations. You’ll feel sleepy after taking the sedative but the effects will have worn off by the next day. If you have a simple procedure, like removing plaque, there is a good chance that you will not be using this sedation, unless it is a deep cleaning.
IV Sedation
This has a few variations. The first is referred to as “Twilight”, where you’re conscious but unaware of your surroundings. You’ll feel sleepy after this sedation, and the chances are you won’t remember any of the procedure once it’s over. However, you’re not unconscious and the dentist can wake you up if they need to.
Another option is anesthesia, which is very uncommon when it comes to sleep dentistry. With general anesthesia, you’re totally unconscious. General anesthesia is administered by a specialist and only on patients who are resistant to other types of sedation or who need significant oral surgery.
Bottom Line
Before an appointment for dental work, talk to your dentist about your concerns and fears. Your dentist will then recommend the type of sedation based on your specific dental procedure. Don’t put off your next dental appointment because of anxiety. As discussed, there are several dental sedation options your dentist can recommend.