Dental anxiety is extremely common, with millions of Americans suffering from various degrees of dental-related anxiety. If you experience dental anxiety or fear, you are not alone! Luckily, sedation dentistry can help ease your anxiety and help calm your mind during any dental treatment you may need. Our dentist in Fort Worth TX in Fort Worth, TX, offers numerous sedation dentistry options to help you feel comfortable and relaxed during your dental care treatments.
Types of Sedation Dentistry Options
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
This is a common form of sedation dentistry, also known as “laughing gas.” It is inhaled through a mask that fits over your nose and is quickly absorbed by your body when you breathe normally. It induces feelings of relaxation and euphoria that can last for hours after treatment. During this form of sedation, you will be able to communicate with the dentist throughout your procedure. Because the effects wear off so quickly, you may not even need another person to drive you home after your appointment. The dentist will watch your vital signs closely to ensure no complications arise. Even still, it is best to have a friend or family member with you for the rest of the day.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Often referred to as “sleep dentistry” or “twilight sedation,” oral conscious sedation involves the use of a prescription sedative that is taken orally about an hour before the procedure. The medication induces a state of deep relaxation and a feeling of disconnection from the procedure itself. Once in the treatment room, patients may fall asleep and remain unaware of the procedure as it progresses. When the work is complete, the medication wears off, and the patient wakes up feeling refreshed and ready for the day.
Intravenous Conscious Sedation
In deep sedation, medication is delivered intravenously. The patient is in a very deep level of sleep and won’t respond to any stimulation. They won’t recall the procedure at all. Generally, patients under the influence of deep sedation will need some level of assistance during their procedure.
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
Some patients like sedation because it makes them feel as though they have slept through the entire procedure. Others find that sedation helps them relax enough that they can even fall asleep during their visit. While you may not remember much, you will generally still be able to drive home after your appointment.
Another benefit of sedation is that your dental team will be better able to complete multiple procedures at one time. With sedation, you won’t feel any pain or discomfort, so you won’t need to be numbed up before a procedure. So if you need fillings or crowns, for example, you may be able to have them all done in one appointment instead of spreading them out over several visits.
Is Sedation Right for Me?
During your consultation, we can discuss your needs and determine whether or not sedation is right for you. We can also discuss any concerns you may have regarding the use of sedation and help you to feel completely comfortable ahead of your visit. We will also provide you with a pre-sedation consultation to ensure your safety.
To learn more about sedation dentistry, contact Hulen Smiles, Implant and Cosmetic Dentist, at (817) 663-7972 or visit us at 6217 Oakmont Blvd, Fort Worth 76132.
