Good oral health is more than just maintaining your smile. Studies show a link between gum disease and health problems such as heart disease and diabetes. This would then give most an urgency to schedule a dental appointment and get appropriate dental treatment to prevent any further complications leading up to health problems, easy, right?
For those who suffer from anxiety, wrong. Many avoid scheduling treatment due to fear; from past negative dental experiences, fear of a loss of control, fear of the sounds and smells associated with dental treatment, etc. If the thought of going to the dentist sends your heart racing, sedation dentistry is an excellent tool for you to be able to get the treatment you need in a whole new environment.
Sedation is offered on a few different levels. Inhalation, also known as nitrous oxide or laughing gas, allows the patient the freedom to come to the office, relax in a chair and still have the ability to drive to and from home/work. This is an excellent option for patients just looking to take the “edge” off the appointment while still maintaining the ability to be alert and present during the procedure. A small mask is placed over the nose and is administered throughout the length of the appointment. Levels are easily controlled for a stronger or weaker effect based on patient needs and comfort. Nitrous oxide leaves the system almost immediately after the supply is turned off.
Another option for longer appointments or those who are a little more reticent for treatment is conscious sedation. Conscious sedation is a combination of the inhalation of nitrous oxide as well as an oral sedative that is prescribed to you. The medication is taken at the office one half-hour prior to the start of your treatment then the nitrous oxide mask is placed. This allows for a deeper level of sedation. A driver is to bring you to and from your appointment. Different levels of sedation are offered at other offices, like some surgical offices where an IV can be placed to achieve an even deeper level of sedation as needed. All precautions and post-operative instructions are gone over with you prior to the start of your appointment.
Sedation dentistry offers a whole new experience to the patient. It settles the uneasiness of treatment by allowing the patient to relax and feel calm through the procedure. Other comforts are provided like blankets and music to enable you to have a totally relaxing and comfortable appointment. Let’s make this an excellent experience for you; ask about your dental sedation options today!