Do you suffer from dental anxiety? Many individuals are afraid of sitting in the dental chair and the procedures they have to undergo. As valid as your fear is, it is still important to get the necessary treatment for the sake of your oral health. Thanks to sedation dentistry, it is possible to undergo dental treatment without actually living with the memory of doing so. IV sedation and other options make it possible to step into a comfortable dental experience. Did you know there are different types of sedation dentistry? Learn all about it in this article!
What is Sedation Dentistry?
When the dental procedure is ongoing, sedation dentistry puts you at ease since it is a moderate level of sedation. It is also known as conscious sedation and twilight sleep because it puts you in a state of temporary amnesia. This means you will be invulnerable to the pain but be conscious at the same time. You will be awake but feel relaxed throughout the treatment.
Types of Sedation Dentistry
There are different types of sedation dentistry. Your dentist will proceed with one that is suitable for you based on your needs and condition. They will consider your anxiety levels, length of the procedure, medical history, and personal choice to choose the sedative for you. Usually, three types of sedation dentistry are found, including:
- Nitrous Oxide
Have you ever heard of laughing gas? It is actually nitrous oxide sedation. For this dentistry, the patient will be given a mask or a nosepiece, which allows them to inhale nitrous oxide. Within three to five minutes, the effects are visible. The dentist will have control of the amount of nitrous oxide that goes into your system, and they will adjust the dosage as needed throughout your treatment. Once the procedure is complete, the dental expert will provide you with pure oxygen to flush out the laughing gas. - Oral Conscious Sedation
For oral conscious sedation, the dentist gives the patient a pill or another sedative medication an hour prior to the treatment. You might be groggy once the sedative kicks in, but that does not mean you will not be able to communicate. In some instances, the patient, under the effect of the sedative, falls asleep, but they can be awakened with a gentle nudge. The sedation will interfere with your memory and motor skills, so you will need someone to drive you home after the dental procedure. - IV Sedation
The deepest form of conscious sedation in the dentistry world is IV sedation. Short for Intravenous Sedation, the dental specialist will directly administer it into your bloodstream through an IV line. Moreover, the dentist will also continuously monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels during the treatment, so they can adjust the dosage if needed. In some cases, the dentist gives reversal medications if required. IV sedation might put you to sleep, and you will have no memory of the procedure when you wake up.
Closing Note
You can opt for one of the different types of sedation dentistry if you have a fear of dental treatments. Our Vintage Oral Surgery team is here to effectively address your oral health concerns at 11620 Louetta Rd. Suite B Houston, TX 77070. Talk to us at (281) 800 8852.