Fear and anxiety can be daunting, especially if it keeps you away from the dental care that you deserve. This can negatively impact your oral health and overall wellness. Knowing the root cause of your fear is essential to help manage your emotions and avoid being overwhelmed during dental procedures. Consult your dentist if dental fear and anxiety are negatively impacting your life and oral health. We are here to offer a solution for you through sedation. With the advent of modern dentistry, you can overcome dental fear and reap all the benefits of visiting a dentist.
What is sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry focuses on relieving stress and pain during dental procedures through sedation. It is a state of being calm or asleep using drugs. This enables you to stay calm and relaxed so that the dentist can perform dental treatments with ease. It is also called conscious sedation or “twilight sleep” since technically you will be awake but in a relaxed state. It creates short-term amnesia (forgetfulness) where you will experience insensitivity to pain without the loss of consciousness.
When is sedation dentistry helpful?
Dentists often recommend sedation dentistry if you suffer from:
- Anxiety
- A fear of visiting the dentist
- Increased gag reflex
- Extreme tooth sensitivity
- A feeling of claustrophobia
- Decreased sensitivity to local anesthesia
- Difficulty controlling movements
- Special needs (behavioral, cognitive, or physical)
What are the types of sedation offered?
The most common types of sedation dentistry have been discussed below.
Nitrous oxide
This is commonly known as laughing gas, which is inhaled through a mask. It leads to calming effects within 3 to 5 minutes of inhalation. Once the procedure is over, your dentist will administer pure oxygen to flush out the nitrous oxide.
Oral sedation
This method involves oral administration of sedative pills about an hour before the procedure. For pediatric use, dentists often use liquid sedation in the form of syrups. It may make you feel groggy, and recovery may not be as quick as nitrous oxide sedation.
Intravenous (IV) sedation
This is the deepest form of sedation where the medication is administered directly into your bloodstream through an IV line. The dosage will be adjusted according to the age and the length of the procedure. You may fall asleep and have little to no memory of the treatment when you wake up.
Final note
Dental fear and anxiety can be distressing, depriving you of the much-deserved dental care. If the thought of visiting a dentist haunts you, discuss them with your dentist and find the best sedation option that works for you.
