While flipping through your monthly planner, you realize you have a dentist appointment coming up soon. Does the thought of it fill you with dread? Don’t worry – you’re not alone. Around 9-20% of U.S. adults suffer from dental-related anxiety. Luckily, there’s a way for you to be fully relaxed during your visit. With sedation dentistry, you’ll have the most comfortable and stress-free experience possible – you might not even remember the procedure! To learn more about it, read on as we answer five frequently asked questions.
Sedation dentistry involves the use of medication or drugs to relax you before and during dental procedures. Although most treatments are performed with just local anesthetic, sedation methods are available for patients with dental phobia. It’s the perfect solution for easing anxieties, helping you obtain a healthy and beautiful smile while keeping your fears at bay.
Let’s take a look at the most common types of sedation dentistry.
IV sedation is an excellent option for patients who require lengthy or complex procedures. With this method, a sedative is delivered directly into the bloodstream, providing the deepest level of relaxation possible. Most patients even end up sleeping through treatment!
For patients with intense anxiety, oral conscious sedation is a great option to consider. Your dentist will prescribe a sedative pill that you’ll take about an hour before your appointment. Once the medication enters your system, you’ll begin to feel drowsy and relaxed.
If your anxiety is mild to moderate, nitrous oxide sedation (or laughing gas) might be the most ideal solution. A small mask is placed over your nose, and within seconds of inhaling the gas, it’ll create an overall feeling of bodily relaxation.
The three types of sedation outlined above have all been studied, showing they have little to no risk of side effects. Some patients might feel headaches, nausea, or a jet-lagged feeling, but those could be attributed to other factors. Overall, the most attractive side effect of sedation dentistry is the limited memory of the dental visit.
Do you feel anxious or fearful at the thought of your upcoming dentist appointment? If so, sedation dentistry may be a good option for you. It’s also suitable for patients with sensitive oral nerves, a severe gag reflex, or difficulty getting numb. Additionally, these methods are often used on young children or patients with physical or mental disabilities.
You can reap several benefits with sedation dentistry, including:
Anterograde amnesia to reduce fear on future visits
If you’re worried about your upcoming dental appointment, ask your dentist about sedation dentistry. They’ll make sure your visit is as comfortable, relaxing, and fulfilling as possible!
About the Practice
At Eaddy Dentistry, we provide exceptional, state-of-the-art, compassionate dental care that’s guaranteed to exceed even your highest expectations. Our team uses the latest technologies and techniques to make sure your visit is as comfortable as possible. If you have dental anxiety, we can ease your nerves with sedation dentistry. To learn more, visit our website or call (512) 263-4252.
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