It’s no secret that going to the dentist can be a stressful experience for some people. If you have anxiety about going to the dentist, you’re not alone—but there’s no need to worry. There are options available to help make your dental visit more comfortable, and sedation dentistry is one of them. In this blog post, we’ll explore what sedation dentistry is and how it can help you relax during your next dental appointment.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is the use of medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. There are different types of sedation available, from light sedatives that simply take the edge off to powerful general anesthesia that renders patients unconscious. The type of sedation used will depend on the dental procedure being performed as well as the patient’s level of anxiety.
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
There are many benefits of sedation dentistry, both for patients and dentists. For patients, sedation can help relieve anxiety and fear, which means they’re more likely to stay calm during their procedure. This can make the experience more pleasant for both the patient and the dentist.
Additionally, because patients are more relaxed during their procedures, they often have less pain and discomfort afterwards. And in some cases, sedation dentistry can even help patients who have a strong gag reflex or who have trouble sitting still in the dental chair.
For dentists, sedation dentistry can help increase productivity by allowing them to complete more procedures in a shorter amount of time. Additionally, because sedated patients are less likely to move around or fidget in the dental chair, dentists can work more quickly and efficiently.
Types of Dental Sedation
There are several types of dental sedation available, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. The type of sedation you receive will depend on your level of anxiety as well as the procedure you’re having done. Here are some of the most common types of dental sedation:
- Oral Conscious Sedation: Oral conscious sedation is taken in pill form before your appointment. It works by causing drowsiness and relaxation, but it won’t put you to sleep. You’ll likely still be awake during your procedure, but you may not remember much about it afterwards.
- Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas): Nitrous oxide is a gas that you inhale through a mask during your procedure. It works quickly to cause feelings of relaxation and often helps reduce pain as well. The effects of nitrous oxide wear off soon after the gas is turned off, so you’ll be able to drive yourself home after your appointment.
- Intravenous (IV) Sedation: IV sedation is administered through a small needle in your arm. The medication is given directly into your bloodstream, so it works very quickly to cause relaxation. IV sedation will likely make you drowsy and you may even fall asleep during your procedure—but don’t worry, our team will make sure you’re comfortable throughout.
Let’s make your dental visit pleasant.
If you suffer from anxiety about going to the dentist, don’t hesitate to ask about sedation options at your next appointment! Sedation dentistry can help make your experience more pleasant and less stressful—and it may even help lessen any discomfort or pain afterwards.
To learn more about dental anxiety and how we can help put your mind at ease, contact Pinnacle Dentistry in Colorado Springs today! We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have about our services or discuss options with you in greater detail.
