Types of Sedation Used for Dental Services
For some, the dentist’s office is a place that induces anxiety and stress. Whether you’re nervous about a specific procedure or just have a generalized phobia, sedation dentistry can help you relax while your dentist takes care of your smile. The concept can sound complex, but it’s really about working with your dentist to find a solution that works best for you.
What Is Dental Sedation?
Sedation dentistry utilizes an administered sedative to allow patients to relax in the dentist’s chair. While a number dental procedures require some level of sedation as a matter of course, the overall goal with sedation dentistry is to ease any anxiety a patient may have and create a low-pressure, comfortable experience. Offices that offer sedation dentistry are subject to rigorous safety protocols to ensure staff members are knowledgeable and prepared to take care of any patient. In addition, dental professionals closely monitor the patient’s vitals so the procedure igoes smoothly. What’s more, sedation dentistry usually costs very little out of pocket, as it’s often covered by insurance policies.
The main three methods of sedation dentistry are inhalation sedation, oral sedation and IV sedation. While all three can do the trick, your medical history may mean one method will serve you better than another.
Inhalation Sedation
Inhalation sedation, more commonly known as laughing gas, uses a gas administered through a mask placed over your nose. The level of sedation you receive is controlled by your dentist. Since this type of sedation uses an inhaled gas, you’ll feel relaxed in moments. At the end of your procedure, when the mask is removed, the sedation effects tend to wear off quickly. This is because the moment you stop breathing in the gas, you also stop receiving the sedative. Since the effects fade so fast, patients are often able to drive themselves home or return to work or school after their procedure.
Oral Dental Sedation
With oral sedation, you will be given a prescription for two sedative pills – one to be taken the night before your procedure, one to be taken an hour before. (Keep in mind that this can vary from patient to patient.) Oral sedation, also called “conscious sedation,” leaves you awake but highly relaxed during your procedure. Even though they’re technically awake, most patients don’t remember much, if anything at all. This type of sedation is beneficial for those who have higher anxiety levels about visiting the dentist. With this type of sedation, you’ll need a driver to take you to and from the dental office. Children who receive oral sedation will also need to stay home with supervision after their appointment.
Intravenous (IV) Sedation
IV sedation requires an intravenous line inserted into the crook of your arm. This ensures a steady flow of medication is administered. With this, you’ll either be totally unconscious or in a “twilight” state where you are conscious, but not really aware of your surroundings, depending on the procedure being performed and your physical needs. Your dentist will be able to continuously monitor and adjust the level of sedation you receive throughout your procedure. This type of sedation is a little more intense than other options, so you will need a driver to take you home.
Sedation Dentistry Services at Magnolia Dental
Magnolia Dental offers incredibly safe sedation dentistry services to calm your nerves before and during a dental procedure. This allows our team to provide you with the best dental care in a stress-free environment for you. If you have any questions about sedation dentistry, get in touch with one of our experienced dental professionals today!
