Do you have a fear of the Dentist or dental treatment procedures? Sedation dentistry will offer an alternative if you mind dental treatments painful or stressful. You can seek sedation dentistry for several dental procedures, from oral surgery to preventive care. Before being decisive about sedation dentistry, here is some basic information you should have while discussing it with your Dentist.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is a way to relieve pain and discomfort and relaxes patients with dental phobia. It can be administered on different levels, leaving you conscious or unconscious. The four levels of sedation include mild, moderate, deep sedation, and general anesthesia.
Why Do You Need Sedation Dentistry?
Some people have strong anxiety when they think of essential dental procedures such as dental checkups and cleanings. However, avoiding the Dentist can lead to severe dental issues such as periodontitis and tooth loss. Sedation dentistry is recommended for patients who have:
- Dental fear or anxiety.
- Extreme tooth sensitivity.
- Sensitive gag reflex.
- On dental procedures such as root canals or oral surgery.
- Fear of needles.
- Have special needs such as behavioral, physical, or mental issues.
What is the Step-by-Step Procedure of Getting Sedation Dentistry?
Here are the procedure details for receiving sedation from a dentist:
=> Before
During your initial dental consultation, you will discuss various sedation options with your Dentist. The Dentist will ask for your medical history if you have any health concerns, and whether you are on any supplements or medications. Once they have the relevant information, they will recommend a sedative. Six hours before the procedure, avoid eating.
=> During
Sedation dentistry will be administered before the procedure. In addition, a local anesthetic will be applied to numb your gums and teeth. Our sedation dentist in Austin, TX 78734 will start the process once you are comfortable.
=> After
Unless you have laughing gas as your option, you will have to invite a relative or friend to take you home after the procedure. Go straight home to rest and begin your healing process.
What are the Types of Sedation Dentistry?
Below are the main types of sedation dentistry:
a) Oral Sedation
It is given as a pill that must be taken an hour before the procedure. After an hour, you will start experiencing a sense of relaxation. Your memory will be foggy and your motor skills impaired, but you will be conscious.
b) IV Sedation
This type of sedation is usually used on people with severe anxiety. It is administered through an IV which is injected into a vein. IV sedation effects rise rapidly since it goes directly into your bloodstream.
c) Laughing Gas
Also known as nitrous oxide, this type of sedation is administered through a mask or a nosepiece before the procedure. You will experience its calming effects within three to five minutes after administration. Our dentist in Austin, TX 78734 will control the levels at which you will receive the sedation throughout the procedure. Once the process is over, you will be administered pure oxygen to flush out the laughing gas out of your body.
What are the Benefits of Sedation Dentistry?
Whether you are under oral sedation or IV, you will enjoy sedation dentistry offers during dental procedures. Here are the benefits of having sedation dentistry:
- Relieves Anxiety: Dental phobia and anxiety are considered genuine medical issues with 60% of the population admitting to having a fear of the Dentist. The fear can be unfounded or from a previous unpleasant experience. Dental sedation can help you be calm before, during, and after the procedure.
- Reduces Gag Reflex: Gag reflexes are good; they allow us to expel foreign and intrusive objects from our mouths. When you are aware that the Dentist is working inside your mouth, the gag reflex can be a hindrance. They can prevent the Dentist from working deep inside your oral cavity. Additionally, having spasms as the Dentist is working on you can lead to damage. The Dentist will not have to worry about the reflexes with sedation dentistry.
- Relieves Pain: When you are under the influence of sedation dentistry, your brain cannot register pain or discomfort.
- Helps Dentist Work Faster: You won’t be squirming or moving around your chair when under sedation. Because of this, your Dentist can work quickly and efficiently.
- Provides Short-Time Amnesia: Amnesia isn’t desirable, but it is when it comes to sedation dentistry. Most dental phobias stem from unpleasant experiences from previous dental visits; this fear could grow with each additional visit. However, sedation dentistry can eliminate this further phobia buildup by ensuring no new memories are made.
Visit a Sedation Dentist Near You
Don’t let dental phobia prevent you from getting quality dental care. At Lake Travis Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we provide sedation dentistry near Lakeway, TX to our patients to ensure they are calm and relaxed during dental treatments. For more information, give us a call or book an appointment at our dental dental office near you today!
