A Guide to Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry is an option for some people. The thought of dental cleaning can make them feel fearful. Many people prefer to have no treatment than go to the dentist. Luckily, sedation dentistry can take away your fear. Keep reading to learn more about this option.

About sedation dentistry

This involves using medication to help dental patients relax during procedures. It might be known as sleep dentistry. However, patients are usually awake unless there is general anesthesia being used. The different levels used can include:

• Minimal sedation: the patient is awake but relaxed
• Moderate sedation: the patient may slur words and not remember much after
• Deep sedation: the patient is on the edge of consciousness but can still wake up
• General anesthesia: the patient is totally unconscious

Becoming sedated

A dentist might use inhaled minimal sedation. This involves breathing in laughing gas, or nitrous oxide. The mask is placed over the patient’s nose. The gas helps the patient relax, and the dentist can easily control it. The gas can wear off quickly, and the patient can drive home afterward.

With oral sedation, the patient might have moderate or minimal sedation. The patient might take a pill around an hour before the procedure. It makes patients drowsy, but they are still awake. For moderate sedation, a larger dose might be given to the patient. This might cause some people to fall asleep, but they can be easily awakened.

With IV moderate sedation, the patient gets the drug through a vein. It can go to work faster, allowing the dentist to control the level of sedation. With general anesthesia or deep sedation, the patient gets a stronger medication. It makes the patient almost completely unconscious during a procedure. It is very hard to wake the patient until the effects wear off or are reversed using medication.

Who can get sedation dentistry?

Patients will also receive numbing medications where the dentist is working. That will help to relieve any pain that the procedure causes. Sedation is a good option for those who have a true fear of the dentist. It might also be good for those who:

• Have extremely sensitive teeth
• Have a gag reflex
• Have a low threshold for pain
• Are unable to sit still
• Need quite a bit of dental work

Children might also have sedation if they are terrified of the dentist. Others might refuse to cooperate. Often, children will receive nitrous oxide, and almost any dentist can give it. If oral sedation is needed, it will be kept within the recommended limits. That will be based on the age and the weight of the child.

Get sedation dentistry today

If you are afraid of going to the dentist, then you might do well with sedation dentistry. It can allow you to get many dental procedures that you might otherwise be afraid to have. That includes regular cleanings and fillings. Visiting a dentist today can help you see if this is a good option for you.

Request an appointment here: https://trophysmilestudio.com or call Trophy Smile Studio at (817) 210-4049 for an appointment in our Trophy Club office.

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