Some people are very uncomfortable and anxious when heading to a dental clinic. Most of them would rather deal with a toothache than see a dentist. If you are super anxious about going to the dentist, you should try sedation dentistry. Sedation dentistry is designed to eliminate the nervous symptoms that come with dental treatment. The treatment helps reduce stress and nervousness thus guaranteeing the patient gets the treatment he or she needs.
What is sedation dentistry?
Dental professionals and researchers are always searching for techniques that are most comfortable and safest to eliminate distress in dental treatment. Dentists rely on sedation on a range of treatments right from teeth cleaning to complicated procedures like root canals. Your medical history and stress level determine the amount of sedation needed.
There are several techniques and medicines available in sedation dentistry.
- Minimal techniques: These make a patient a patient relaxed while they are awake.
- Moderate sedation: This is also referred to as conscious sedation. You can communicate with the dentist throughout the process, but you will not remember much.
- Deep sedation: You are taken to the edge of consciousness. The dentist can, however, wake you if need be.
- General anesthesia: You will be unconscious completely.
Thanks to advances in restorative dental technology, you can have any broken or missing tooth replaced or reformed. The best thing is that sedation allows you to go through the procedure without any discomfort.
Sedation Methods Used
There are different types of sedation methods used and they are delivered using different forms of medicine. Different types used include:
- Tablets for minimal or mild sedation
- Intravenous injections for moderate sedation
- Inhalation for strong sedatives and general anesthesia
Most procedures require the use of local anesthesia. This is administered through injection. Local anesthesia causes numbing thus preventing pain.
Types of Sedation Dentistry
Inhalation sedation
This is the most common sedation method used. Patients breathe in a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen gas. The effects are felt within seconds. This is considered to be the safest and lightest sedation mixture. The dentist places a comfortable nitrous mask on the face when you choose inhalation sedation.
Oral sedation
With this option, you will take medication orally about an hour before the procedure. It takes time for the sedation to take effect. A dental professional will monitor your state during the process. The medication has an amnesic effect. It is recommended for people with high anxiety levels.
IV moderate sedation
Intravenous is the most widely known type of sedation dentistry. The level of sedation is deeper. Patients will not have any recollection of the visit thus the time spent with the dentist will feel like mere moments and not hours.
Who administers sedation?
General dentists can administer oral sedation. Deeper types of sedation with more risks require special training on the part of the dentist. This dentist must also have proper credentials and permits. Dentists that administer deep sedation are dental anesthesiologists and oral surgeons.
Who is a candidate for sedation dental procedures?
- Persons with severe anxiety
- People with sensitive teeth
- Patients that need extensive dental work
- Patients with strong gag reflex
- Persons who suffer low pain threshold
- Kids and adults that cannot sit still in the dentist’s chair
Sedation dentistry will ease your concerns when visiting a dentist. Always discuss your situation with the dentist so that they choose the most appropriate type of sedation for you.
