Sedation Dentistry: What Is It and How Does It Help You?

Sedation dentistry is a method of using medication to help a patient relax during dental procedures. Sedatives make patients feel very relaxed, even sleepy, which is ideal for those who fear the dentist. It also makes patients completely relaxed while the dentist performs dental work. Your dentist can administer varying levels of sedation, depending upon your needs.

What Are The Benefits of Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. Sedation dentistry helps patients remain relaxed while eliminating their fear and anxiety. The benefits offered by sedation dentistry include the following:

• It can help you relax during your visit.
• Sedation dentistry can help ease any anxiety you may have about going to the dentist.
• If you have a sensitive gag reflex, it helps you undergo dental treatments comfortably.
• It can help you tolerate longer dental procedures.
• Sedation dentistry can help you undergo more complex dental treatments.

Types of Sedation Dentistry

• Oral conscious sedation

Oral conscious sedation is a great solution for patients with dental anxiety or sensitive teeth. Oral sedation involves taking a small dose of sedative medication one hour before your appointment. By the time you arrive, you’ll be completely relaxed and at ease but still able to respond to questions and follow instructions.

• Intravenous conscious sedation

If you are afraid of the dentist, intravenous conscious sedation may be an option for you. With this type of sedation, medications are given through an IV to make you feel calm. Depending on the procedure, the IV sedation can be on a timer, meaning the medication will “wear off” in a certain amount of time.

• Inhalation sedation

Inhalation sedation is achieved through a mask placed over the nose. Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is a commonly used gas for inhalation sedation. The gas is mixed with oxygen and administered through a mask. The effects of nitrous oxide wear off quickly, so the patient is able to leave the office soon after the procedure is completed.

Who Is A Candidate For Sedation?

Patients who experience dental phobias and fears can benefit from sedation dentistry. Patients who have complicated or extensive procedures that require numerous appointments to complete can also benefit from sedation dentistry.

Visit Smile Makers Dental Care, 901 Sunvalley Blvd. Suite 240, Concord, CA 94520 for a professional dental checkup. Book an appointment online or call us at (925) 685-9339 for any questions or concerns related to bad breath.