Everything About Sedation Dentistry

Many people avoid the dentist out of fear. This is no surprise since many people report painful or uncomfortable experiences at the dentist's office. But sedation dentistry techniques allow patients to receive treatment comfortably, even if they're afraid of the dentist.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is when a patient is put under anesthesia in order to reduce their anxiety about dental treatment. Also referred to as "sleep dentistry," sedation dentistry is a safe and effective way of providing dental treatment to patients who would rather sleep through treatment than sit in the dental chair.

When a patient is sedated, they will typically be put into a snooze state. Some sedation methods use gas, while others combine gas with a sedative drug.

Types of Sedation Dentistry

If you experience dental anxiety, you may be a candidate for sedation dentistry. This can help calm your nerves, making it easier for you to receive dental treatment.

There are many forms of sedation dentistry. Some types include the following:

• Oral sedation:Oral sedation, also known as "conscious sedation," involves taking a pill the night before your procedure. Patients tend to remember little to nothing about their treatment. You will remain conscious and able to respond to any directions from your dentist, but you likely won't remember much of the procedure. Many patients who undergo oral sedation report feeling incredibly relaxed during their appointments.
• Nitrous oxide: Nitrous oxide is a gas that is inhaled through a small mask that goes over the patient's nose. This odorless gas causes the patient to become very relaxed and calm. Also known as laughing gas, this sedation method calms patients during procedures.
• IV sedation:IV sedation, also known as "twilight" sedation, involves administering sedative drugs through an injection into the bloodstream. The drugs used in IV sedation are fast-acting, and they can produce an almost immediate feeling of relaxation. IV sedation is sometimes referred to as "sleep dentistry" or "twilight sleep" because the patients are often so relaxed that they fall asleep during their procedure.
• General anesthesia:General anesthesia is performed in a hospital operating room by a board-certified anesthesiologist. General anesthesia renders patients completely unconscious and unable to feel any pain. Patients will not be able to respond to verbal or physical stimulation and are monitored closely for breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate throughout the procedure.

Sedation Dentistry - Benefits

Your dentist may recommend sedation dentistry in the following cases:

• if you have a high dental anxiety level
• if you have had a negative dental experience in the past
• if you have multiple dental problems that you need to solve at once
• if you have sensitive teeth
• if you have a sensitive gag reflex
• if you can't sit still in the dental chair for a long time

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?

Yes. Sedation dentistry is safe. Your dentist will review your health history before administering any sedatives in order to make sure sedation is safe for you.

If you experience dental anxiety, sedation dentistry could be right for you. Sedation dentistry allows you to complete treatment comfortably and quickly, which can help reduce your anxiety levels.

PS Dental in Tigard, Oregon, offers the best dental care services to patients. For more details and appointments, call us at (503) 574-4000, book online, or visit us at 12017 SW 70th Ave, Tigard, OR 97223.