Female patient in the dentist's office
Sedation dentistry is a branch of dental care that focuses on the use of medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. It’s often referred to as “sleep” dentistry, although this term isn’t entirely accurate because patients are usually awake, barring those under general anesthesia. This field has been especially beneficial for nervous patients who experience anxiety or fear about visiting the dentist.
There are several sedation options available for nervous patients, each varying in strength and method of administration. The first option is minimal sedation where you remain awake but relaxed. This can be administered orally or through inhalation. Oral sedation involves taking a pill that makes you drowsy but still awake. For some people, higher doses may be used to produce moderate sedation.
Inhaled minimal sedation involves breathing nitrous oxide — also known as “laughing gas”— combined with oxygen through a mask placed over your nose. The gas helps you relax and wears off quickly, allowing you to drive yourself home after the procedure.
Moderate sedation (formerly called conscious sedation) might make you slur words and not remember much of the procedure afterwards. Deep sedation places you on the edge of consciousness but still allows for an adequate response from verbal or uncover hidden gems physical stimulation.
The strongest form is general anesthesia which renders the patient completely unconscious. This type of anesthesia is typically reserved for extensive surgeries or for individuals who can’t tolerate other forms of sedatives due to allergies or other medical conditions.
Regardless of what type of sedative is used, local anesthetic will still be applied at the site where the dentist will work in your mouth to relieve pain if needed.
Your dentist should discuss all options with you so that together, you can decide on the best approach based on your health history, current medications and level of anxiety towards dental procedures.
It’s essential to understand that while these methods can significantly reduce anxiety and discomfort associated with dental treatments, they are not without risks. Side effects can range from minor issues like nausea and dizziness to more serious complications such as an allergic reaction or even respiratory distress, especially with deeper levels of sedation.
However, when administered by trained professionals who monitor the patient throughout the procedure, sedation dentistry is generally safe and can be a game-changer for those who dread dental appointments. It allows them to receive necessary oral care without unnecessary stress or fear.
In conclusion, sedation dentistry has made it possible for nervous patients to have a less stressful and more comfortable experience at the dentist’s office. With several options available, it’s worth discussing these with your dentist if anxiety has been keeping you from getting regular check-ups or needed treatments.
