Everyone will need to visit the dentist at some time or another, whether for a routine cleaning or a procedure, such as repairing a damaged tooth. But some individuals have anxiety or even fear of going to the dentist, no matter what the circumstances are.
Since it’s not a good idea to allow apprehension to get in the way of dental hygiene and oral health, Ideal Dental offers safe sedation dentistry for patients.
About Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry is accomplished by the dentist administering anesthesia to the patient in a clinical setting. It’s appropriate when a patient is undergoing a lot of work during the appointment. Patients also request sedation dentistry if they are terrified of having any dental work done.
If you have a low tolerance for pain or cannot sit still during a routine dental procedure, sedation dentistry might be your best option after consulting with the dentist.
The lowest level of sedation dentistry involves the use of nitrous oxide. This is a gas that you breathe in under medical supervision to help you relax. Because the effects are short-lived, this is the anesthesia of choice for people with less pronounced anxiety and who want to be able to drive themselves home.
Your dentist might administer oral sedatives, which are stronger than nitrous oxide, helping you relax and feel calm. Diazepam is an example of a medication you can take before the procedure. You won’t fall asleep, but you will notice your anxiety has subsided.
For more serious cases of fear and anxiety, the dentist can provide an intravenous sedative. It’s considered general anesthesia and will put you to sleep while the dentist takes care of you. If you receive a smaller dosage, you won’t fall all the way asleep but will be in a state of mind called “twilight sleep,” where you will be drowsy and may not remember much if anything at all about the procedure.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Your Procedure
It’s important to know that anesthesia always carries some risks, so you will need to be aware of the potential for side effects.
People with underlying medical conditions, such as obesity or obstructive sleep apnea, are more at risk.
Verify the level of training your dentist has achieved in sedation dentistry. Before signing the consent form, make sure you understand the potential risks of anesthesia.
A professional dentist’s office will have a supply of oxygen as well as medications to bring patients out of sedation in case of a medical emergency.
Make an Appointment for Sedation Dentistry at Ideal Dental
Ideal Dental offers a full range of dentistry services, from orthodontics and braces to implants, root canals, dentures, and more.
Thanks to sedation dentistry, you can come to our office and sit in the dentist’s chair without feeling overwhelmed by anxiety and fear. You or a loved one may be a candidate for sedation dentistry. We will determine if this is a suitable option for you. To learn more about our approach to sedation dentistry or to make an appointment, find your local Ideal Dental office today.