Many patients find receiving dental care challenging. Avoiding dental care due to feelings of fear and anxiety can lead to worsening oral health over time. Dentists want their valued patients to know that they have options to make their visits more comfortable and less stressful.
Sedation dentistry uses safe, well-tested medications to make patients feel relaxed during their procedures. Sedation levels range from mild to deep according to the patient's needs. Dental professionals offer multiple sedation methods that suit most healthy patients.
Types of Sedation Dentistry We Offer
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide is the most commonly prescribed sedative in a dental setting. This inhaled medication works by displacing a small fraction of the oxygen in a patient's system. Depending on how the medication affects the patient, the patient may feel calm, relaxed, or euphoric.
One of the most significant advantages of nitrous oxide over other sedatives is that it wears off almost instantly after the procedure ends. Within a few minutes, patients can drive themselves home and resume a regular schedule.
Conscious Oral Sedation
Conscious oral sedation comes in liquid or pill form. Dentists may use benzodiazepines, antihistamines, or other medications to produce a feeling of relaxation.
In many cases, patients take the medication before arriving at the dental office to give it time to work. For this reason, dentists require that a trusted adult accompanies patients to and from their appointments. Patients need to rest for the remainder of the day to allow the medication to wear off and must not drive or operate machinery.
IV Sedation and General Anesthesia
For patients who need extensive procedures or feel extreme anxiety, IV sedation or general anesthesia may be the best choice. IV sedation produces a sleep-like state, while general anesthesia renders the patient unconscious.
Good Candidates for Sedation Dentistry
Most healthy patients can receive dental sedation:
- Dental anxiety, fear, or phobia
- Highly sensitive teeth
- Strong gag reflex that could interfere with receiving care
- Resistance to local anesthetics
- Need for complex or lengthy procedures
Patients Who May Need Other Types of Care
- Pregnant or breastfeeding patients
- Chronic bronchitis or respiratory disease
- Sleep apnea
- Patients taking sedatives, certain antidepressants, or other contraindicated medication
Frequently Asked Questions About Sedation Dentistry
Is sedation dentistry safe for children?
Most children can safely receive nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide can help a fearful, reactive, or special-needs child sit through a lengthy dental appointment while remaining calm and relaxed. Children can return to their daily activities directly after their appointment.
Will I feel pain with sedation dentistry?
Local anesthesia should make your procedure painless. If you feel discomfort, notify your dentist. They may be able to increase the flow of nitrous oxide or adjust your local anesthesia.
Call Total Dental Care
Sedation dentistry can help to protect vulnerable patients' oral health. We encourage patients who feel anxious about receiving care to ask about sedation. Please call our Germantown, MD, office at 240-813-9111 to schedule your appointment today.