Dental anxiety affects up to 75% of patients and can make it difficult for them to receive necessary dental treatments. Sedation dentistry is a great option for helping anxious patients relax during their visit and get the dental care they need.
If you are considering using sedation for your next dentist appointment or just want to learn more about sedation dentistry, here we’ll answer some commonly asked questions about this treatment. The more you know about sedation dentistry, the easier it will be for you to decide if it’s the right option for you.
Looking for sedation dentistry in Sunny Isles? Our sedation dentists can help. Book an appointment online with us today!
First — what is sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry involves using medication to relax your body and mind so you can feel comfortable during a dental procedure. One of the most common types of sedation used in dental treatments is nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas), but some patients may also benefit from oral conscious sedation or IV conscious sedation.
Sedation dentistry differs from general anesthesia (which is administered in a hospital and puts you to sleep). Sedation dentistry can be used to perform routine dental treatments such as teeth cleaning and fillings or more complex dental procedures like root canals and dental implants.
What are the different types of dental sedation?
- Oral sedation. This form of sedation is given to you orally (in pill form), which means that you don’t need to have an intravenous line placed into your arm. This method will relax you, but it won’t put you completely asleep.
- IV sedation. An IV drip is used to administer drugs directly into your bloodstream, so they’re absorbed quickly and enter your body very fast.
- Nitrous oxide. The most common type of sedation dentistry involves inhaling nitrous oxide mixed with oxygen through a mask placed over your nose.
Why do some patients need sedation?
Because many people are anxious about visiting the dentist, it’s not surprising that some patients may need sedation to help them relax. Some dental procedures can also be complex, and dental sedation can help patients avoid discomfort.
Sedation dentistry treatments are tailored to each patient’s needs and comfort level, so there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Different medications may be used depending on the procedure, its duration, and the patient’s overall health status. If you are undergoing a dental procedure, your dentist will discuss with you what type of sedation might work best for you before starting any procedure.
What kind of patients benefit from sedation dentistry?
- Is afraid of the dentist
- Hates needles
- Has a hard time staying still in the dental chair
- Is undergoing a complex or lengthy dental procedure
Am I a good candidate for sedation dentistry?
The short answer is that anyone who feels anxious or nervous about visiting the dentist can benefit from sedation dentistry. However, some people should avoid using it.
If you have a history of lung disease or sleep apnea or are currently taking medications that might interact with anesthesia, then sedation dentistry probably isn’t right for you. For this reason, you must talk openly to your dentist about any health conditions or medications you are taking to avoid potential complications.
How long does the effect of sedation last?
Sedation dentistry is short-acting. When you’re given general anesthesia, it can last for up to 8 hours; but with sedation dentistry, the effects typically wear off completely within a few minutes.
How long does it take to recover from sedation dentistry?
Recovery time varies based on the type of sedation used. Patients who have had nitrous oxide may be able to go about their day as usual right after their treatment, while those who have had oral or IV sedation may need someone else to drive them home.
Additionally, some people may experience mild side effects such as drowsiness. However, these symptoms should subside within an hour or so.
How long does it take to recover from sedation dentistry?
Recovery time varies based on the type of sedation used. Patients who have had nitrous oxide may be able to go about their day as usual right after their treatment, while those who have had oral or IV sedation may need someone else to drive them home.
Additionally, some people may experience mild side effects such as drowsiness. However, these symptoms should subside within an hour or so.
How safe is sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is a highly safe and effective way to treat patients who have anxiety about dental procedures.
Children and adults can both benefit from sedation dentistry. The most common medications used in the procedure are nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation, which allow you to be awake during your appointment.
Are there any risks associated with sedation dentistry?
With any medical procedure, there are risks involved. The most common risk of sedation dentistry is an allergic reaction to the medication. However, this happens in less than 1% of patients and usually resolves quickly and safely with the help of a healthcare professional.
Another potential risk is that you may feel uncomfortable or nauseous after the procedure, which can be treated by returning home for rest and relaxation.
More questions about sedation dentistry? We’ve got answers!
We hope we’ve answered all of your questions about sedation dentistry. If you want to learn more about sedation options, our sedation dentists in Sunny Isles are here to help answer any queries you might have. Just give us a call at (786) 629-1503 to get the dental care that you need. We look forward to hearing from you soon!