Some people experience high anxiety levels during dental procedures and cannot undergo the treatments needed to maintain oral health. But Emerson sedation dentistry makes the process flawless. It can help reduce a patient’s fear of visiting the dentist and improve their overall oral health by allowing them to receive the necessary treatment comfortably.
Sedation dentistry involves numbing patients during dental procedures, usually to reduce anxiety and pain.
Let us look at the various options for sedation dentistry
- Nitrous oxide
Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, refers to a mild sedative. It is applied using an oxygen mask, which you breathe in through your nose while the dentist works on your teeth. Your dental professional will adjust the amount of nitrous oxide to ensure that you are comfortable during treatment. You will drive home after your appointment but may feel lightheaded for a short period after it is over, so arrange for someone to pick you up if necessary.
This mild sedative is not recommended if you have any breathing difficulties or problems with your lungs.
- Oral conscious sedation uses pills or liquids to help you relax for your dental appointment
It is usually taken one hour before your dental visit, but it can take effect in as little as 15 minutes or as long as 90 minutes. Oral medication is convenient and extremely effective for most. You will be awake but relaxed and comfortable during your dental appointment once the medicine takes effect.
Oral conscious sedation benefits include:
- The ability to become completely relaxed during your dental appointment
- You can have multiple procedures done at once because the effects of the medicine last longer than other forms of sedation
- Less time is needed in the office to complete treatment, including travel time, patient preparation, and treatment recovery time.
However, Amnesia is associated with the procedure. Most patients don’t recall anything about their procedure while under sedation.
- Intravenous (IV) moderate sedation allows you to drift in and out of sleep during your appointment
The level of sedation can be adjusted throughout the procedure. The entire process is monitored to make sure you are safe. It wears off quickly and allows you to return home shortly after your appointment with a driver.
- General anesthesia puts you completely under for your dental procedures
General anesthesia is the deepest form of sedation. Your doctor will give you an IV injection, and you will be completely unconscious during the dental procedure. You will not feel anything, and you won’t remember the procedure either. You will need someone to drive you home after general anesthesia because it takes several hours to wear off. We recommend bringing a buddy to help with errands or work responsibilities for the rest of the day.
Sedation dentistry is a safe, effective way for many people who are anxious about the dentist to get the treatment they need. If you think you might benefit from sedation dentistry, talk with a dentist today about your options. Dentists want all of their patients to be comfortable, and asking questions before signing up for any procedure is allowed and expected. Asking questions shows that you are paying attention and taking charge of your health and wellbeing. Don’t put off getting needed dental care because of fear or anxiety. Asking questions shows strength, not weakness. Talk with a dentist today about sedation dentistry options!
Vinicius Ferreira Cavalcanti