Sedation Dentistry For people of all ages, dental offices and dental visits can come with fears of enormous proportions, including a phobia that is difficult to explain. Research shows that most people are at least partially anxious to go to the dentist, even if the procedure is as simple as a routine cleaning. Although there is no magic solution that can make someone’s fear vanish, there are many ways to reduce anxieties, allowing even the most phobic persons a positive experience at the dental office. What is Sedation Dentistry? Sedation dentistry is performed by administering agents designed to put you at ease during your procedure. Ranging from complete unconsciousness to pain and anxiety maintenance, sedation dentistry helps you to get past any feelings of apprehension to get your dental work done painlessly, quickly and effectively. Sedation Dentistry Procedures  Depending on what treatment you are having done on your teeth, your dentist may offer a form of sedation to help you relax. There are a variety of different methods of sedation, ranging from pills, liquids, or gases, to put you at ease and streamline the process of getting dental treatment done.For more simple procedures, nitrous oxide gas (more commonly known as “laughing gas”) can simply be breathed in before and during your treatment. This will keep you awake during your treatment while still allowing you to reduce the amount of anxiety you feel. When the treatment is complete, a few minutes of breathing pure oxygen will bring you right back to normal awareness levels with no lasting side-effects. More intensive procedures might call for sedation medication to be taken just before the appointment. Most often coming in the form of Valium or other common drugs, these allow you to sleep through the procedure. You are generally asked to come in with another person who can drive you to and from the appointment, since your awareness level will remain inhibited until the medication wears off. Additional options are available if these aren’t right for you. Be sure to talk with your dental team about any fears or anxieties you have. Don’t let it keep you from taking care of your teeth and/or tending to your overall oral health. Most dental professionals recognize the reality of fears and phobias, and can treat them accordingly. |
