Relaxing in the Dental Chair: A Simple Guide to Sedation Dentistry

Mar 8, 2019 | Advanced Dental Treatments

Do you avoid the dentist at all costs? Does the thought of sitting in a dentist’s chair send a chill down your spine?

If the answer is yes, sedation dentistry may be the answer you’ve been searching for. With gentle sedation, you’ll receive the dental care you need without experiencing any stress or anxiety. In fact, you may not even remember your dental appointment at all!

Are you curious to learn more? Keep reading for all the information you need about sedation dentistry and how it can help you.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

So, how does dental sedation work, exactly? Let’s start with the basics.

Dental sedation is when a qualified, experienced dentist uses medications to relax patients during dental work. The medications administered to patients during dental sedation works in 3 ways:

  • Anxiolytic – relieves anxiety
  • Sedative – calms and induces sleep
  • Amnesic – memory loss

This allows fearful patients to receive the dental work they need without apprehension.

Types of Sedation

Depending on the needs of the patient, they may receive different kinds of sedation with varying strengths. These are the different levels of sedation dentistry:

  • Minimal Sedation

In this form of conscious sedation dentistry, the patient is awake through the entire dental appointment. While relaxed, they’ll still be able to answer questions and interact with their medical team.

This type of sedation is usually administered through inhaled gas & air (nitrous oxide and oxygen). It subsides quickly and the patient may even be able to drive home.

  • Oral Sedation

In a dental appointment for oral sedation, the patient swallows a pill called Temazepam as a pre-med before treatment. This induces a sense of calm and gentle drowsiness. It takes around an hour to feel the effects of this medication. Some patients may fall asleep during oral sedation appointments.

  • IV Sedation

Dentists administer this type of sedation intravenously. Throughout the appointment, they continuously control and adjust the amount of medication. Patients will be ‘asleep’ and may not remember any of the dental work.

Who Should Look into Sedation for Dental Work?

If you’re wondering whether sedation dentistry is right for you or a loved one, here’s a handy list to help you out. Here are the best candidates for dental sedation:

  • Those with extremely sensitive teeth
  • People with a fear or phobia of visiting the dentist
  • Anyone with a bad gag reflex
  • Patients who need extensive amounts of dental work
  • Individuals who have a hard time sitting still

Let Us Help You Relax

Don’t let your fear of the dentist affect your oral health. Choose sedation dentistry to receive the care you need without any stress or discomfort.

If you’re looking for a full sedation dentist in your area, look no further. We’re open seven days a week and can set up the right appointment for your needs.

Do you have any questions? Contact us anytime. We’re here to help!

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