Sedation dentistry is often practiced by dental physicians. The fear of visiting the dentist or the fear of pain might be too much for some patients to bear. This is when a dentist might offer IV, nitrous or oral sedation.
There are many different reasons to offer sedation to a patient. Ultimately, it’s beneficial to both the dentist and the patient. It relaxes the patient so that the dentist can quickly perform their work.
Types of Sedation Dentistry
IV sedation includes administering an IV into the wrist, hand or arm so that the medication can be inserted directly into the vein. This puts the patient into an almost immediate slumber.
The sedation acts as a deep state of relaxation where the patient is completely unaware of the dental work being performed. Dental professionals monitor the patient’s oxygen level and pulse during the sedation.
Oral sedation comes in pill form, which makes it easier for a patient to take. This form of sedation takes considerably longer to kick in, but is known to be quite effective. Typically the pill is given the morning of the appointment about an hour before. It is also preferred by patients who fear needles.
Nitrous Oxide also known as “laughing gas,” is given through a mask in which the gas is breathed in deeply. The effects of the gas are quick and will ease a patient’s anxiety in just minutes. There are very little side effects with this form of sedation and the gas will even ease the gag reflex.
Reasons Patients Choose to Be Sedated
Patients will have a number of reasons as to why they prefer to be sedated. Nonetheless, a dentist will be happy to offer one of the various forms of sedation to a patient as long as they deem it to be necessary.
- Fear of pain
- Fear of dentists
- Anxiety
- Sensitive teeth
- Restlessness
- Chronic jaw pain
- Does not respond well to other anesthetics
Sedation can be extremely beneficial to patients. When going to the dentist frightens you, the thought of pain scares you, or you can’t sit still long enough for a lengthier procedure, consider sedation dentistry. Sedation dentistry is something that many people are taking advantage of to help ease the anxiety and restlessness over a dental procedure. Inquire about sedation dentistry and figure out which form of sedation is best for you.