Many people are a little anxious about visiting their dentist. It may be fear of the unknown; or they may have a toothache and are concerned about what lays ahead to treat it. Sedation dentistry offers a solution to resolve many concerns.
Nitrous Oxide
This form of sedation is often referred to as laughing gas. The patient is placed in a mild state of euphoria when nitrous is mixed with oxygen and introduced with the use of a nose cone. The patient is relaxed enough not to panic if a general anesthetic is required for treatment … a fear of needles can upset a patient, but relaxation makes many dental repairs tolerable.
When treatment is near completion, the nitrous is terminated and the patient returns to their normal state right away. This allows the patient to return to work or school; and enables the patient to transport themselves to and from their appointment. There is no residual after effect with nitrous.
Oral Sedation
Very often the extremely anxious patient or one who is faced with physical or mental challenges requires a more intense form of relaxation. A consultation with your dentist will help determine candidacy for oral sedation.
Reliable transportation to and from your dental appointment and the ability to take the day off to recover from the effects of sedation are required.
The patient will take a sedative at home approximately one hour before their appointment. Upon arrival at the dental office, the patient is given additional sedatives. The patient is continually monitored for their comfort and safety throughout their appointment.
Even though the patient remains conscious throughout treatment, many report that they felt as though they slept and have little recollection of their dental visit. The patient will be somewhat groggy for a few hours and is advised to return home to rest for the remainder of the day.
IV Sedation
Procedures such as oral surgery often utilize IV sedation. The sedative is introduced intravenously; it responds much quicker than oral sedatives. The patient is conscious, but recalls very little about their appointment.
As with oral sedation, the patient needs to return home for the remainder of the day and will be unable to drive.
Sedation dentistry is a fabulous tool that takes the edge off for many dental procedures. Ask our team about it today.
