Going to the dentist near you can be anxiety-provoking for many individuals. A fear of pain, discomfort, or previous unpleasant experiences deters patients from pursuing dental treatment that they need. Sedation dentistry has now changed the dental procedure, where treatments are carried out painlessly and without causing anxiety.
What is Sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry refers to the provision of sedative medications to keep patients more relaxed and comfortable during dental procedures. It is especially useful for people who are fearful of extracting more teeth, those who have sensitive teeth, or those who may have had long procedures. Based on the effect required, the sedation can be classified as:
- Minimal Sedation: You are awake but relaxed.
- Moderate Sedation: You are aware but will have little recollection of the procedure.
- Deep Sedation: You are on the edge of consciousness but can still be awakened.
- General Anesthesia: You are completely unconscious during the procedure.
Process of Sedation Dentistry
The type of sedation is determined by the dentist based on the patient’s medical history, the degree of anxiety present, and the type of procedure required. Some of the most common forms of sedation include:
- Inhaled Sedation: Relaxation is experienced when nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is inhaled through a mask.
- Oral Sedation: A pill prescribed to be taken prior to treatment, making the patient drowsy but alert.
- IV Sedation: The drug is given intravenously so that the dentist can monitor and control the dosage of sedative.
- General Anesthesia: Applied in the case of intricate surgeries, the patient is fully unconscious and kept under close supervision.
The Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
- Painless Experience: This actually works well for low pain tolerance patients since sedation dentistry can help you in treating the patients for a pain-free dental procedure.
- Reduced Anxiety: Most patients are highly anxious going to the dentist. So, the atmosphere is comfortable and relaxed as sedated.
- Faster Procedures: Because there is steadiness and cooperation under sedation, the dentist can, in fact, perform procedures more quickly, so there’s actually less time in the chair.
- Most Ideal for Lengthy Procedures: Those that might need very long ones like root canals or removals of wisdom teeth benefit completely from sedation that actually decreases pain and exhaustion.
- No Gag Reflex Problem: Some individuals possess a powerful gag reflex, causing dental procedures to be challenging. Sedation relaxes the muscles, making treatment easier.
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
Patients ask themselves, “Is sedation dentistry safe?” The response is affirmative when done by qualified professionals. In order to ensure the safety of every patient, dentists often take care to go through the medical history before allowing for sedation practices. Vital signs are monitored throughout the procedure, and sedative dosages may be adjusted to prevent cases of complications from arising. Patients with other medical histories will have to consult their dentist before they can be considered for the most appropriate sedation modality.
Who Are the Candidates for Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry will be best for:
- People who tend to be afraid of or anxious when it comes to dental procedures
- People who would undergo long procedures or may have joint procedures done
- People who have extremely low pain thresholds
- People with special requirements that would not permit them to sit still
- People with hypersensitivity of teeth or ones who have very strong gag reflexes
If you are a perfect candidate, why fear a visit to one of the excellent sedation dentistry near you?
What To Expect After Sedation Dentistry
Recovery time varies based on the kind of sedative used. While nitrous oxide dissipates quickly, oral and IV sedation can take longer to exit the system. Patients are instructed to have someone bring them to their appointment if they are having moderate to deep sedation, as driving afterwards is not advisable. Normally mild drowsiness and grogginess can be found that fades away in a few hours.
Stress-Free Dental Care at Aspen Dental Clinic
Are you looking for painless dentistry in a clinic near you? You may check out the Aspen dental clinic. Apart from that, they also have a well-trained staff that handles sedation dentistry in Rocky mountain house; making every patient feel at home. Schedule an appointment today and get that beautiful healthy smile without fear or discomfort!
