3 Ways the Dentist Can Keep You Comfortable During Treatment
Dental anxiety may sound like something only children would face, but for many adults, it is a very real condition that can actively prevent them from seeking the dental care they need. Regardless of age or experience, a dentist needs to ensure that a patient feels safe and relaxed during their visit. This is why some dentists now offer a specialized service called sedation dentistry.
In this post, we’ll explore what sedation dentistry is and whether it’s the right choice for you.
Types of Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry can be broken down into three levels, allowing patients the option to choose the one that best fits their needs. Those types are also divided into two categories – conscious sedation and full sedation.
Nitrous Oxide: Commonly known as laughing gas, this is the lightest sedation offered in dentistry. It provides you with a sense of euphoria without clouding your awareness. You remain awake and alert, but relaxed. This type of sedation wears off quickly after the visit, so you can drive yourself to and from your appointment and resume your normal activities quickly afterward.
Oral Sedation: The dentist provides a small pill to be taken before the appointment so that you feel calm even while waiting for your treatment. This moderate sedative leaves you completely relaxed, and only vaguely aware of your surroundings. While it is still considered conscious sedation, many patients feel calm enough to fall asleep during procedures and have no memory of the visit afterward.
IV Sedation: This full sedation option consists of a sedative delivered intravenously, resulting in complete unconsciousness. A trained anesthesiologist is brought in to administer the sedation and monitor your levels during the procedure. This type is most commonly used for dental surgery and other prolonged or invasive procedures.
Should You Ask for Sedation?
If you feel stressed or uncomfortable during dental visits, it is important to keep two things in mind. First, you are not alone, and it is nothing to be embarrassed about. Second, that the dental office is ready to help, and will respond with compassion and sensitivity.
The dentist will consult with you to determine the nature and level of your discomfort, and help you understand your options so you can decide if conscious or full sedation is right for you. In time, once you have built a relationship of trust in your dentist, you may find that you no longer even need sedation, giving you greater peace of mind.
At our dental office, we’re dedicated to helping our patients achieve good health in a safe and comfortable environment. If you’d like to know more about sedation dentistry, give our office a call today.