Everything You Need To Know About Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry allows patients to undergo dental procedures without significant discomfort or pain. If you experience anxiety, feel extreme nervousness, or fear at the dentist’s office, you may be a good candidate for sedation dentistry. However, sedation dentistry is great for all patients!

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

Here are some of the benefits of sedation dentistry:

1) Reduced anxiety and stress

Dental procedures can cause a lot of stress and anxiety in many patients due to fear of the unknown. Feelings of dread and anxiety can overcome a patient when sitting in the lobby prior to their appointment. Fortunately, the use of sedation dentistry can help to reduce these feelings of anxiety so that patients are more relaxed and able to undergo any necessary dental treatments.

2) Improved comfort

Your mouth may be tender after your appointment and even uncomfortable until the numbing wears off. With sedation dentistry, we can make sure that you feel comfortable and relaxed during your procedure.

3) Fewer appointments needed

Many patients who use sedation dentistry are able to complete more treatment in one visit rather than multiple visits. This saves the patient time as well as money.

4) More efficient treatment

The sedatives used during your procedure help your muscles to relax so that your dentists can perform treatment quickly and efficiently. This means less time spent in the dental chair and more time enjoying the benefits of a healthy smile.

5) No recollection of the treatment

Because this sedation is medication-based, most patients do not remember anything about the procedure – especially if it is a deep sedation technique. You will remember the procedure once you are awake and can return home. You will be able to continue with your day as planned.

Types of Sedation

One of the most versatile tools in dentistry is sedation dentistry. There are different types of sedation, but each has similar benefits for the patient, which is to help a patient remain comfortable and relaxed during their treatment.

• Oral Conscious Sedation

Oral conscious sedation is the act of taking a medication orally the night before and the morning of your procedure. There is a common myth that sedatives cause memory loss, which is not true. If you are taking an oral conscious sedative before a procedure, you may doze off during the procedure or remember parts of the procedure but not all of it. The benefit of this type of sedation is that the patient does not experience any pain during the procedure.

• Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous Oxide, also known as laughing gas, is used on patients who are undergoing minor procedures such as cleanings or fillings or for more complex procedures such as root canals. This form of sedation is inhaled through a mask that fits over the nose and is often coupled with a local anesthetic to prevent pain. Patients who use nitrous oxide often report feeling euphoric or even drunk. You might not remember the entire procedure when under this kind of sedation, but it is still very effective at helping patients relax during a procedure.

• Intravenous (IV) Sedation

Intravenous (IV) sedation is administered intravenously and is often used for patients having complex procedures such as dental implant placement. IV sedation is used for patients who need to undergo lengthy procedures and who might need multiple treatments in a single sitting. IV sedation helps patients to remain calm and relaxed throughout their treatment and to be comfortable while they sleep through their procedure. Once the procedure is over, you will likely not remember the procedure at all. 

Request an appointment here: https://hulensmiles.com or call Hulen Smiles, Implant and Cosmetic Dentist at (817) 585-4159 for an appointment in our Fort Worth office.