Do you struggle with dental anxiety or dental phobia? You aren’t alone. Approximately 9-20% of adults in the USA have dental anxiety at one severity or another. The good news is that you don’t need to let this get in the way of getting essential dental treatment. There are several different dental sedation options out there to help patients like you receive quality oral healthcare without stress. Here are the answers to some of the most common questions about sedation dentistry.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients remain relaxed during dental procedures. It is often referred to as “sleep dentistry,” but patients are not usually asleep during their appointment unless they are under general anesthesia. Sedation dentistry brings patients into a relaxed state, allowing them to receive treatment without the additional stress they would normally experience.
What Types of Dental Sedation Are Available?
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
This option is best for patients who are mildly anxious about going to the dentist. You likely know this one by the common name, “laughing gas,” because of the euphoric feeling that it gives you. A mix of nitrous oxide and oxygen is administered through a nasal mask. The effects hit and wear off in a short period of time. You can even drive yourself home after your appointment.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation is ideal for patients who experience moderate to severe anxiety as well as people who need a longer procedure. This sedative is taken in pill form about an hour before the treatment. When it’s time for your procedure, you will already feel completely relaxed. You just need to arrange for a trusted friend or family member to drive you home.
IV Sedation
This is the strongest and fastest-acting sedation method available. This medication is administered directly into your bloodstream via a small injection. Within a short period of time, you will feel deeply relaxed. The dental team will adjust your sedation level to make sure you are comfortable and safe throughout your treatment. Just like oral conscious sedation, this method has lasting effects. You will need to arrange for a ride home ahead of time.
Who Can Benefit from Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is known to help people with dental fear and anxiety. However, it can also be useful for other issues. Patients may consider sedation dentistry if they have:
- A low pain tolerance
- Sensitive teeth or gums
- Difficulty sitting still
- An oversensitive gag reflex
- A need for extensive dental work
Dental anxiety shouldn’t get in the way of receiving essential treatment. If you suffer from dental phobia, ask your dentist about your sedation options. This way, you can get the dental care you need without the added stress!
About the Practice
At Texas Dentistry, we have a team of five experienced dentists serving the Kaufman community. With their combined skills and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof! We offer nitrous oxide sedation, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation to ensure that our patients are perfectly comfortable during treatment. To learn more about sedation dentistry or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call (972) 932-3918.