The Ins and Outs of Sedation Dentistry

 
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Countless people are afraid of the dentist, whether it's because of lies run through the rumor mill or a less-than-satisfactory prior experience. Keep in mind that a quality dentist will assure you have a pleasurable, efficient experience. If you're one of the many people who are afraid of the dentist, you might want to consider sedation dentistry.

After all, it's estimated that 25% of people will avoid smiling because of concerns regarding their mouth and teeth. When you want to change your smile for the better, consider talking to a cosmetic dentist about the benefits of sedation dentistry.

What is sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is a tool that dentists use to help a patient relax during a dental procedure. While patients experiencing small amounts of anxiety will prefer to be awake during the procedure, others may want to sleep for the entire process. Sedation dentistry might also be used during particularly strenuous procedures, including emergency dental care.

There are four primary types of sedation dentistry:

  • Laughing gas: This is one of the most common forms of dental sedation. This safe mix of oxygen and nitrogen (forming nitrous oxide) is used to calm the nerves and alleviate pain during a procedure. The patient stays awake and you're usually able to drive home by the end of the dental visit.

  • Oral (enteral) sedation: This takes the form of an oral pill or liquid medicine which you take the night before a dental procedure. Most patients will stay awake using this sedation method, but you might feel relaxed enough to fall asleep. You will need a ride to and from the dentist.

  • IV sedation: When you arrive at your family dental care office, you will be given an intravenous sedative directly to your bloodstream. You will still be awake but require a ride home from the cosmetic dentist's office.

  • Anesthesia: Anesthesia is typically used in particularly anxious patients or painful procedures. You will be asleep for the entirety of the procedure and you will need a ride home from a trusted friend or family member after your trip to the dentist.

Things to consider

It's essential that you talk to your cosmetic dentist about the ins and outs of dental sedation. After all, your medical history may make you an unqualified candidate for this type of procedure. Your safety is the utmost priority before, during, and after your trip to the cosmetic dentist. Be sure to discuss your options with your dental care professional before making any decisions.

Sedation dentistry is just one of the many aspects that puts Aesthetic Family Dental Care as a leader among the dentists in Arizona. Don't hesitate to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced cosmetic dentists in order to talk about sedation dentistry today.


 
Drew Rossell