If you’re afraid of the dentist, you’re not alone. Dental phobias affect millions of people across the country. However, there’s no reason to let nerves keep you from getting quality dental care. Your sedation dentist can perform procedures while you sleep without causing any discomfort.
What is sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is any dental procedure or treatment that uses sedation to help patients relax. Sedation dentistry often refers to the use of sedatives for a dental procedure. This can be especially helpful for patients with dental anxiety or phobias to help them remain at ease during their treatment.
Types of sedation in dentistry
There are four major sedation dentistry options.
- Nitrous oxide
Nitrous oxide is also called laughing gas and is the most common type of sedation used in dentistry. Nitrous oxide is inhaled by the patient through a mask and can produce feelings of euphoria and calmness.
The gas is mixed with oxygen, and the patient breathes through a mouthpiece. The patient is monitored while breathing the gas, and the effects wear off within minutes. The effects of laughing gas are mild, and patients can inhale it multiple times during a dental procedure.
- Oral sedation
Oral sedation is a medication taken by mouth. This medication causes the patient to feel relaxed or drowsy. This type of sedation is commonly used for patients who are fearful of dental treatment. Oral sedation is taken about an hour before the appointment. Patients should arrange for a friend or family member to bring them home after the procedure.
- Intravenous sedation
Intravenous (IV) sedation involves injecting a sedative directly into a vein. This type of sedation is used for patients who have a dental phobia or who are extremely nervous. IV sedation can be administered before a procedure or while a patient is still in the dental chair. Once IV sedation is administered, it takes effect quickly, and patients become very sleepy.
- General anesthesia
General anesthesia is a type of sedation used during procedures that are extremely invasive or lengthy. General anesthesia patients to sleep.
During these procedures, the patient is unconscious. Patients typically receive general anesthesia during procedures like:
- Dental implant placement
- Wisdom teeth removal
- Dental surgery
Benefits of sedation dentistry
Sedation dentistry is a great option for patients who have dental anxiety or phobia. It can be particularly helpful for the following patients:
- Those with dental phobia
- People who have a strong gag reflex
- Patients who have trouble getting numb
- Patients who can’t sit still for long
- Those undergoing lengthy procedures
If you suffer from dental anxiety, you’re not alone. Some patients may feel nervous or ashamed about the condition of their smile. Others are afraid of the sounds and smell of the dentist’s office. Regardless of how your dental anxiety came to be, we can use sedation dentistry to help you relax during your treatment.
If you want to learn more about sedation dentistry, contact Dental Arts of Boston at (617) 266-0441 today to book an appointment with Boston Dentist. Our team can offer guidance and make product recommendations for your unique smile.