Many people are scared of the pain that’s typically associated with dental work. They also worry about feeling uncomfortable and vulnerable, not just during the procedure itself but after as well. Fortunately, sedation dentistry can help ease your fears by allowing you to feel comfortable and relaxed during dental procedures.
Sedation dentistry might also involve administering a drug before or during your dental procedure. Of the options, only general anesthesia can leave you completely unconscious. Other forms of sedation dentistry will also help you relax but won’t knock you out completely.
The most common types of sedation dentistry include:
- IV or intravenous sedatives. This type can put you in various stages of consciousness. While general anesthesia can put you into a deep state of sleep, other types can put you in some kind of “twilight sleep.” During this state, you are less aware of your surroundings and would feel very sleepy. You also won’t remember much of the procedure.
- Oral sedatives. These can help patients relax during dental procedures. Oral sedatives are typically taken an hour before the scheduled dental appointment or procedure. Patients will be fully awake during the procedure but will be less anxious. You can also feel sleepy until the effects of the medications have worn off.
- Nitrous oxide. This is a gas that can help you relax during your mental procedure. Nitrous oxide wears off quickly so you won’t have trouble driving yourself home after your dental appointment.
Many patients have the misconception that general anesthesia is always the best option. However, opting for other milder forms of sedation is recommended and considered ideal as it has lesser side effects.
Can You Benefit from Sedation Dentistry?
Patients who are considered good candidates for sedation industry often have the following issues:
- Phobia that’s associated with dental procedures
- Bad past experiences that’s associated with dental work
- Highly sensitive oral nerves
- General anxiety disorder
- Resistance to local anesthetic
- Small mouth that gets sore easily during dental procedures
If you can relate to any of the issues mentioned above, it is recommended that you ask your dentist about sedation dentistry and if you are a good candidate for the procedure. Dental sedation has helped numerous patients through various types of dental work like dental implantations, root canals, tooth extractions, and many more.
Sedation dentistry is not recommended for dental cleanings, X-rays, and other routine dental care. If you have extreme anxiety, sedation dentistry is an option that might be recommended or explored. Before getting dental sedation, you need to factor in the procedure as well as your general response to dental care.
For instance, ask yourself if you are comfortable with needles. If not, IV sedation might make you more anxious and uncomfortable than the dental procedure itself. In the same manner, if you don’t like being vulnerable in the dental chair, you might want to opt for a local anesthetic so you are fully awake and conscious.
If you put off dental work because you are afraid of pain or other aspects of dental work, sedation dentistry is an option you can explore. You need to remember that if you put off issues like dental caries, and loose or broken teeth, you are also putting your oral health at risk.
Left unattended, the problem can become more complicated. It can also mean you might need costly and more complex dental work in the future to resolve the issue. As a general rule of thumb, if you worry about any upcoming dental work, consider discussing sedation dentistry with your dentist.