What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Does the thought of going to a dentist make you anxious? For nervous patients, sedation dentistry will help take away their anxiety. Sedation is used for everything from simple teeth cleaning to more in depth procedures.

At Phelps Family Dentistry, we believe in compassionate, comfortable care. We understand that patients have different pain thresholds and even general anxiety centered around going to the dentist. That is why we offer patients multiple sedation options.

Sedation Dentistry Options

Nitrous Oxide – This is the most common and popular sedation dentistry option. Nitrous Oxide will put the patients at ease during their dental treatment. The patient will remain conscious throughout the dental procedure.

IV Conscious Sedation – IV medication helps the patient relax. It alleviates dental anxiety. The patients are conscious throughout the entire dental procedure. The sedative drug can be administered through a vein. The drug will work quickly, and the dentist will be able to complete the dental procedure.

Oral Sedation – An oral anti-anxiety medication is given to the patient. It will help calm and relax the nerves during the dental procedure. The effect of the medication is not long-lasting. It fades shortly after treatment.

How Does the Process of Sedation Dentistry Work?

The process will depend on the type of sedation that the dentist provides to the patient. If the patient is given an oral sedative, instructions on how to use it are also provided. When the medication starts to work, the patient will feel drowsy.

No preparation is necessary if the patient is administered nitrous oxide. The dentist will supply nitrous oxide before, during, and after the dental procedure.

The patient will have to prepare in advance when opting for IV sedation. The dentist may ask the patient not to eat or drink several hours before the dental procedure.

The patient is also asked to avoid certain types of medications so that it does not interfere with the sedation dentistry procedure.

Patients should never put their oral health at risk. Dental problems should not be ignored. Sedation dentistry is ideal for people who avoid dental procedures due to fear of pain. It will reduce their anxiety and enable the dentist to complete the procedure.

Contact us today if you need a dental checkup or treatment and ask any questions you may have about sedation dentistry.