If you feel anxious, uneasy, and stressed out when thinking about going to the dentist, you are not the only one. Many people worry about the discomfort they may experience when they have to attend the dentist for routine check-ups or more extensive dental work. Luckily, many dental offices now offer sedation dentistry as an option for anxious patients.
So, how do you know if you should look into sedation dentistry near you?
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation Dentistry provides medication to allow patients to feel calm and ease pain during a dental procedure. Sedation dentistry can be commonly confused with sleep dentistry, but while sleep dentistry uses general anesthesia to make you unconscious and requires the presence of a trained anesthesiologist, sedation dentistry simply relaxes you without knocking you out.
What are the Types of Sedation Dentistry?
Typical forms of sedation dentistry in Mahogany include:
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Oral sedatives: sedatives such as diazepam can help you relax during a dental procedure. Usually, this sedative type is taken an hour before your appointment to give them time to kick-in. With this type of sedative, you will be fully conscious during your procedure but feel much calmer and perhaps a little sleepy.
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Nitrous oxide: this type of sedation is more commonly referred to as “laughing gas” and helps individuals relax while receiving dental treatment. Since this type of sedation wears off quickly, it is a good option if you don’t have a trusted person to drive you home after your procedure is over.
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Intravenous (IV) sedatives: These sedatives are delivered directly into your bloodstream via a needle. This will put you into a deep sleep, also known as a “twilight sleep,” that will make you less aware of your surroundings during your procedure.
If you are interested in sedation dentistry in Mahogany, talk to your dentist about which form of sedation dentistry is best for your specific needs.
When Should You Consider Sedation Dentistry?
Anyone who has overwhelming anxiety that hinders them from seeking the dental care they require should consider sedation dentistry. It can help patients feel safe during numerous dental procedures such as root canals, extractions, or dental implants.
Other reasons for sedation dentistry in Copperfield include:
- Dental phobia
- Trauma from negative dental experiences in the past
- A strong gag reflex
- Complex dental procedures
- Resistance to the use of local anesthetics
How Safe is Sedation Dentistry?
Generally, sedation dentistry is safe, but make sure that you are getting sedation from a dentist near you who has completed the necessary accreditation in sleep sedation.
If you are considering sedation dentistry near you, you should make sure to:
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Go over your medical history with your dentist prior to your procedure and determine if you qualify for sedation. Your dentist will provide you with information about risks associated with sedation and any other pertinent information before you have your procedure.
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Make sure that your dental team has adequate training to perform the sedation techniques agreed upon.
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Ask any questions you feel are relevant, including what kind of sedation is recommended for your age group and what kind of risks are associated with sedation.
When you seek out sedation dentistry near you, the goal is to make you feel as relaxed and comfortable as possible so you can enjoy your dental experience. If you think that sedation dentistry is right for you, please speak to a dentist near you to find out if you are a good candidate today.