Sedation Dentistry Near You (Coming Soon!)
If you’re someone who gets nervous or anxious about visiting the dentist, sedation may be a helpful option for you. Sedation can also be beneficial for people who need to undergo lengthy or complex dental procedures, have a strong gag reflex, experience pain or sensitivity during treatment, or have physical limitations or disabilities. It can even be used for young children who may have difficulty sitting still during a procedure.
Different Types of Sedation
There are different types of sedation available, depending on your needs and preferences. Your dentist will work with you to determine which sedation option is right for you. Whether you choose minimal sedation or deep sedation, sedation can help you feel more comfortable and relaxed during your dental visit, so you can get the care you need without feeling anxious or overwhelmed.
Nitrous oxide – This is also called “laughing gas”. Even though it doesn’t make you laugh out loud, it does leave you feeling a bit elated and calm. You’ll be fully conscious while your dentist works away.
Oral sedation – The medication is administered via a pill that you will either take the night before your treatment or the morning of. You won’t be fully asleep either, but you will feel very groggy.
IV sedation – This is typically the strongest form of sedation used in dental appointments. The medication is given to you through an IV line, allowing it to enter your bloodstream immediately. Most recipients of this tend to fall asleep and are still quite woozy once they wake so be sure to have someone to take you home.
General anesthesia – This medication is primarily delivered to patients when they’re having surgery in a hospital, but it can be administered in a dental clinic too. You will be completely unconscious for the entirety of the appointment. In order to provide this to patients, dentists need to undergo specific training; or an anesthesiologist can be brought in to assist.
If you have questions or concerns about sedation dentistry near you, do not be scared to reach out to your dentist.