Sedation dentistry is a broad term that can encompass several different methods of managing pain or anxiety before, during, or after dental treatment. The methods may be inhaled, taken by mouth, or injected into the body to help reduce discomfort.

Who Can Benefit From Sedation Dentistry?

Most people have some level of anxiety or fear when it comes to visiting the dentist, but in some cases, individuals experience intense levels of anxiety and stress when faced with an upcoming appointment. This is something that can make it hard for a person to visit the dentist on a regular basis and catch potential issues before they become serious problems. Sedation dentistry can be ideal if you have a strong fear of going to the dentist or if you are having extensive work done that requires you to have several procedures completed in a short period of time.

Sedation dentistry is ideal for patients with strong gag reflexes, extremely sensitive teeth, difficulty getting numb, or those who suffer from issues like insomnia. It is also great for individuals who have extreme anxiety about seeing the dentist. By offering sedation to our patients, we can dramatically reduce or eliminate any fear and stress they may have about their procedure. This makes it easier for you to relax and get through your appointment without feeling anxious or nervous. It is important to us that you feel safe and comfortable while in our care, so these options give us the ability to treat multiple patients with different needs at once while giving them the personalized care and attention they deserve.

Types of Sedation Dentistry

Some patients are unable to complete their dental treatment due to fear, anxiety, or trauma. Sedation dentistry allows a patient to relax for their procedure, whether it is a simple cleaning or tooth extraction or more involved treatments like a root canal or dental implant placement. The type of sedation used depends largely on the treatment to be completed and the patient’s preferences. Some of the most common forms of sedation include nitrous oxide inhalation sedation, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation. 

• Nitrous oxide inhalation sedation: This form of sedation is administered through a small mask placed over the patient’s mouth. The patient breathes a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide, which is a mild sedative that calms anxiety and relaxes muscles to provide comfort for the patient during their procedure. The effects of nitrous oxide subside quickly after the procedure is complete, so the patient can return to their normal activities immediately afterward.
• Oral conscious sedation: Oral sedatives can be taken in the form of a pill or through liquid medication an hour before the treatment. They can begin working quickly and, depending on the dosage, can last for several hours.
• IV sedation: Administered through an IV line inserted into a vein in the patient’s hand or arm, this form of sedation puts the patient into a deep sleep from which they cannot be awoken until the effects of the drug have completely

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?

Sedation dentistry is very safe when administered by an experienced dentist. The medications used in sedation are FDA-approved, so patients do not have to worry about their long-term health after the procedure. In fact, patients who use sedation during their procedures actually recover more quickly than those who do not use it. This is because patients are much calmer and more relaxed during their procedure and therefore do not need as much anesthetic or pain medication afterward.

To learn more about our dental services or to schedule an appointment, call us at (770) 450-0415, and we will be happy to help.