One of the reasons that many people avoid dental services is because they are apprehensive about any discomfort that they might experience. Sedation dentistry can be used to make the procedure as comfortable as possible.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is not an actual treatment itself, but a method to make other treatments pain-free and stress-free. There are many different kinds of sedation dentistry ranging from general anesthetics so that the patient remembers nothing at all to oral sedatives that calm the patient.
The type of sedative that is used will be determined by the patient’s level of stress during their treatment and the specific procedure that is going to take place.
Who Needs It?
Sedation dentistry is a great option for any patient that is uncomfortable with dental services. Those that find it difficult to relax or have overwhelming stress before their appointments make excellent candidates.
In addition to helping a patient calm down, sedatives can also improve patient cooperation and movement control.
Younger children often find dental appointments to be overwhelming, and mild sedatives could help them relax.
Types of Sedation Dentistry
Modern sedatives are currently classified as minimal, moderate, or deep. Here is a look at some of the most commonly used sedatives in dentistry.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation is the use of a pill to calm the patient down just before their treatment. Oral sedatives may be taken around one hour before the procedure and will make the patient drowsy.
This type of sedation ranges from minimal to moderate depending on the dose that is given.
Inhaled Sedation
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is a common sedative and will put the patient completely at ease within moments of being used.
While it is similar to oral sedation, the effects of nitrous oxide wear off very quickly, and the dentist will need to constantly monitor how much you are receiving.
This is the only sedation dentistry option in which patients can safely drive themselves home after the appointment.
IV Sedation
An IV can also be used to inject a sedative directly into the patient’s bloodstream. The effects are almost immediate, and the dentist will control your dose throughout the procedure.
Deep Sedation and General Anesthesia
This is the strongest form of sedation and only used for invasive surgeries or patients with an overwhelming fear of dental procedures. Patients are deeply asleep and will not wake up immediately after their surgery.
Contact Us Today
At Blue Turtle Dental, we offer oral sedation to help patients feel relaxed during their procedure. Make an appointment today.