Why Sedation Dentistry is Beneficial to Anxious Patients

For many people, the idea of going to the dentist can be a source of great anxiety. If you have been dealing with dental phobia or other issues related to oral health care, then sedation dentistry may be a great option for you! Here in this article you’ll find just a few benefits of sedation dentistry that can help anxious patients get the care they need while making their experience more comfortable.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is the practice of using medications to help patients relax during dental treatments. It can be used for a variety of procedures including extractions, cosmetic dentistry, and more. Depending on the type of sedation chosen, it may make patients feel sleepy or drowsy while they remain awake enough to respond to instructions from the dentist.

Types of Sedation Dentistry for Anxious Patients

There are several different types of sedation dentistry that can be used to help anxious patients receive dental care. There are varying levels of sedation dentistry based on your unique needs. Factors include your level of anxiety, the length of your procedure, your health history and personal preferences. The most common types of sedation dentistry include nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation and intravenous (IV) sedation.

Nitrous oxide

Nitrous oxide is commonly known as “laughing gas.” You inhale nitrous oxide through a mask or nosepiece, and calming effects begin within three to five minutes. Your dentist controls the amount of sedation you receive and adjusts dosages accordingly throughout your procedure. Once your treatment is over, your dentist gives you pure oxygen to flush the nitrous oxide out of your system. Because the laughing gas leaves your system so quickly, you’ll be able to drive yourself home after the procedure.

Oral conscious sedation

With oral conscious sedation, your dentist gives you sedative medication (usually in pill form) about an hour before your procedure begins. Most dentists use triazolam (Halcion®), which is in the diazepam (Valium®) family. But your dentist might use other medications, too, including zaleplon and lorazepam. Dentists often used liquid sedation in pediatric dentistry, such as midazolam oral syrup.

Oral sedation makes you quite groggy, and you may even fall asleep. But you’ll still be able to communicate with your dentist if necessary, and you’ll awaken with a gentle nudge. Because oral sedation temporarily affects your memory and motor skills, you’ll need a friend or family member to drive you home after your procedure.

Intravenous (IV) sedation

IV sedation dentistry is the deepest form of conscious sedation available in a dental office setting. Your healthcare provider delivers sedative medications directly to your bloodstream through an IV line. During your procedure, your dentist monitors your heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen levels. They can adjust your dosage at any point and can use reversal medications if necessary. Most people who receive IV sedation dentistry fall asleep and have little to no memory of their treatment when they wake up. This option is best for people with severe dental anxiety or those who are undergoing lengthy procedures.

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry for Anxious Patients:

1) Reduce Anxiety:

Many patients feel more calm and relaxed during their dental visit when sedation dentistry is used. This can help to reduce fear or anxiety associated with the idea of going to the dentist, making it a much less stressful experience overall.

2) Improved Comfort:

Sedation dentistry can help to reduce discomfort related to dental procedures that may otherwise cause pain or distress. This provides a more comfortable overall experience for patients and makes it easier for them to get the care they need without feeling overwhelmed by anxiety or apprehension.

3) Faster Procedures:

By using sedation, some dental procedures can be completed more quickly than without it. This makes it possible for patients to receive the care they need in a shorter amount of time and with fewer disruptions.

4) Longer Appointments:

Sedation dentistry also allows appointments to be longer, providing the dentist with more time to complete multiple procedures at once or work on difficult areas without having to worry about the patient feeling anxious or uncomfortable.

Overall, sedation dentistry can be a great way for patients who suffer from dental anxiety to receive the care they need in a more relaxed and comfortable environment. It is important to speak with your dentist to discuss which type of sedation may be best for your individual needs.  With the right type of sedation, you can have a much more enjoyable and stress-free dental experience.

Anxious Patients Make an Appointment with Stonebrook Family Dental

If you’re interested in learning more about sedation dentistry, the team at Stonebrook Family Dental can help. We offer a variety of services to provide our patients with comfortable and safe dental care. Make an appointment today to learn more about how sedation dentistry can benefit your needs. Our experienced professionals can work with you to ensure that your treatment is as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment!