Will sedation dentistry help you? Suppose your anxieties or fears of going to the dental office are getting in the way of making it to regular dental appointments. In that case, looking into the available sedation options is worth considering.
Since it is essential to be seen by a dental professional once or twice a year to ensure that your oral health is in tip-top shape, it is crucial to get past any dental anxiety or at least learn how to manage it. Thankfully, there are a lot of options when it comes to managing anxiety and fear within sedation dentistry. Continue reading to find out more as we outline what sedation dentistry consists of.
When it comes to sedation dentistry, there is a lot to know, and we are here to explain it all.
According to the American Dental Association, several options are available to help create a more relaxed, comfortable dental visit. This means that one should discuss these options with an experienced dentist so that both parties can devise a sedation plan for future appointments or procedures to ensure a smooth process.
First and foremost, the option that is chosen will depend on the extent of the patient's anxiety and fear, as well as the state of the patient's overall health. For example, those with mild anxiety may not need extensive dental sedation, whereas those with severe fear or nervousness about visiting the dentist may benefit from stronger methods. Regarding overall health, it is crucial that the patient is in good standing prior to undergoing dental sedation and any necessary procedure. This is necessary to avoid any complications that may arise.
The following is a list of three more common sedation dentistry options dental patients choose nowadays to help them deal with their anxieties and fears. Review these to have a full understanding of what is involved.
Nitrous oxide, more commonly known as laughing gas, is a minimal sedation method that dental patients inhale in order to help them relax. The relaxation that nitrous oxide provides is most beneficial for patients who experience a little bit of dental anxiety, allowing them to feel much more comfortable when sitting in the dental chair undergoing any necessary treatment.
Nitrous oxide is administered via a facial mask that fits over the nose and mouth. Dentists typically provide it immediately before the start of the appointment or procedure. However, the effects of laughing gas can vary. They can last for a couple of hours; in some cases, it might be necessary to re-administer it halfway through the appointment.
This sedation dentistry method is completely safe and does not impair individuals, thus allowing them to return to normal activities afterward.
For patients who experience moderate dental anxiety or fear, oral sedation is recommended. They will be given a pill with relaxing sedative properties, similar to the prescription drug Valium. The pill takes between 15 and 45 minutes to start working, making it necessary for the patient to take it before the appointment. While awake, the patient will feel very relaxed and possibly a bit drowsy.
Oral sedation in dentistry does cause lingering effects, which can impair the patient, resulting in the need to avoid extreme physical activity until it wears off and arrange a ride home after treatment.
IV sedation is an option for patients who experience extreme anxiety and fear. They will be given an IV sedative, which means they will still be awake during the treatment but will not remember much if anything. General anesthesia is an option for patients who experience so much anxiety or fear that they want to be unconscious during the entire treatment. Patients who choose these options will need to arrange a ride home after the treatment.
Now that you understand more about sedation dentistry, are you ready to take the next step by making a dental appointment? During the appointment, you will have a chance to discuss your specific situation with one of our experienced dentists, who can offer a sedation option that will be most effective for you. Your oral health is at risk when you do not make regular dental appointments, and that is something you want to avoid. Are you ready to get started on the path to good oral health?
Request an appointment here: https://smilesinzachary.com or call Smile Studio: Family Dentistry and Orthodontics at (225) 306-6007 for an appointment in our Zachary office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Sedation Dentist in Zachary, LA.
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