If you have ever been to the dentist, you may have been given the option of sedation dentistry. This type of dentistry uses medication to help patients relax during their dental procedures.
Dental anxiety is a very common condition and prevents several patients from seeking dental care on time. So using sedation dentistry can help them seek the right care on time.
There are a variety of different medications that can be used for sedation dentistry, and the type of medication that is used will depend on the individual patient and the procedure that they are having done. So we got in touch with Stone Oaks Aesthetics, a sedation dentistry in San Antonio to find out more about various types of sedation dentistry that can be used.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is the use of medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. It is also sometimes called sleep dentistry. Sedation dentistry can be used for a variety of dental procedures, including but not limited to:
– extractions
– root canals
– crowns
– bridges
– implants
– fillings
– teeth cleanings
Sedation dentistry is often confused with a general anesthetic. While general anesthetic does put a patient in an unconscious state for a few hours, sedation dentistry only makes them drowsy or sleepy. The patient is still awake yet feels extremely relaxed. It is used along with a local anesthetic to numb the pain expected during the procedure.
The Benefits Of Sedation Dentistry
More than 50% of people around the world have some kind of phobia or anxiety about visiting the dentist. The exact reason is unknown but many have had unpleasant visits to the dentist in the past that leave them a bit nervous about the next visit. As a result, they often tend to delay or completely avoid going to the dentist which damages their oral health.
Without immediate treatment, some problems may even result in severe gum disease and eventual tooth loss. Some even feel jittery or fidgety while being in the dental chair which prevents the dentist from perming the procedure properly.
Sedation dentistry helps you overcome this fear so you can preserve your teeth and gum health by seeking dental care immediately. It makes you feel calm and relaxed before the procedure even begins so you can finish the treatment comfortably.
Patients with low thresholds to pain, sensitive gag reflexes, and sensitive teeth may also look into sedation dentistry to calm their nerves and muscles during the appointment. It is a safe and effective way to overcome phobia and anxiety related to dental appointments.
The Different Types Of Sedation Available
- Laughing Gas or Nitrous Oxide
Laughing gas is the most common and oldest type of sedation dentistry according to thisĀ reliable dentist in Greenville. Before the procedure begins, a mask over the patientās nose by the dentist through which the patient inhales laughing gas. Laughing gas works immediately and helps calm the patient nerves to reduce anxiety. The effect also wears off quicker than the others.
- Oral Sedation
The oral sedation technique involves taking a prescribed sedation pill before a procedure to help reduce anxiety. The sedative is usually taken a few hours before the appointment pill so that the patient feels calm when they arrive at the office. During the procedure, they remain conscious and responsive but the effect lasts for a while. So they need to be driven to and from the office.
- IV Sedation
Intravenous sedation also helps further reduce anxiety and discomfort. Before the procedure begins, an anesthesiologist will administer the sedative through an IV. The effects are quick as the sedative is directly introduced to the bloodstream. The patient remains conscious but is in a drowsy state which helps them feel comfortable.
How To Choose The Right Sedation For You
The most popular type of sedation dentistry used these days is oral sedation. All the patient needs to do is swallow a pill. So it is the preferred method by patients as well as dentists.
Other types of sedation dentistry include IV sedation and nitrous oxide. IV sedation is used for more invasive procedures, and nitrous oxide is used when the patient cannot swallow a pill or
If you are interested in sedation dentistry and need to find the best one for you, talk to a sedation dentist to see which option is the best for you.
The type of sedation used will depend on the procedure being done, your medical history, and the type of sedation available at the dentistās clinic.
Stone Oaks Aesthetics is sedation dentistry with the best cosmetic dentists in San Antonio, Tx. They offer all types of dental treatments which are performed by their team of expert and highly skilled cosmetic dentists. They will listen to all your concerns and come up with a customized treatment plan based on your needs and preferences. So if you live in San Antonio, call up Stone Oaks Aesthetics today to book a consultation for sedation dentistry.
