What is Sedation Dentistry, Its Procedure, Types, and Benefits?

Does your stomach get queasy when you think about visiting a dentist? Don’t worry; almost 15 percent of the population avoid going to the dentist because of dental anxiety. However, if you stay at home because of dental phobia or dental anxiety, you risk developing dental issues such as tooth decay and gum disease.

But thanks to the advancements in dental technology, we offer sedation dentistry, to ensure that you don’t miss a single dental appointment. Sedation dentistry has allowed kids, adults, and people with special needs to receive much-needed dental care.

Understanding a bit more about sleep dentistry can help you know what to expect and how to prepare for your appointment.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is a type of dental service involving medication to enable patients with dental phobia to receive dental care. At times you might come across terms like “relaxation” dentistry, “anxiety-free” dentistry, or sleep dentistry. All of these terms refer to sedation dentistry.

Different levels of sedation can be attained depending on the type of sedation method used. Our sedation dentist near you will examine you and your condition to ascertain the right type and level of sedation.

Who Can Benefit From Sedation Dentistry?

Mostly, we offer sedation dentistry to patients with dental anxiety and dental phobia. But we also offer it to patients who:

• Need extensive dental work.
• Have a low pain threshold.
• Have a sensitive gag reflex.
• Are not able to sit still during the dental appointment.

What Are the Types of Sedation Dentistry?

There are various types of sedation dentistry that can help you calm down and are designed to meet every patient’s needs. And they are:

1. Inhalation Sedation

Inhalation sedation uses nitrous oxide, commonly referred to as “laughing gas.” Our dentist in Houston will administer the laughing gas via a regulated gas mask, which releases a specific amount of gas. Once you start inhaling the gas, you will feel relaxed and laugh at times.

However, you will not sleep. You can carry out a conversation with our dentist throughout the procedure. When the procedure is complete, our dentist will remove the mask, and the effects of the gas will wear off quickly. You can even drive home after the procedure.

Since nitrous oxide is mild and safe, kids can also benefit from undergoing inhalation sedation.

2. Oral Sedation

This is another form of sedation that is administered orally; it can be mild or moderate, depending on the dosage. Our dentist will give you the sedative that you will take orally. In a few moments, the effects start kicking in, and you will feel relaxed and calm during the entirety of the procedure.

You will still be aware of the surroundings and can converse with our dentist. However, you might feel drowsy and even like taking a nap during the procedure. There is a chance that after the procedure, you will not remember much.

Unlike inhalation sedation, the effects don’t wear off as fast; it takes some time. So, you will need to call a friend or a family member to drive you home after the procedure.

3. Intravenous Sedation

Intravenous sedation is another mode of sedation our dentist administers through your veins. Therefore, the medication will work much faster than any other mode. With IV sedation, our dentist can alter the levels of sedation based on your needs. So the level of sedation will range from moderate to deep sedation.

So, our dentist will prep your vein, then administer the sedative through the vein. You will feel the effects almost immediately, and depending on the dosage, you might be almost unconscious or unconscious during the procedure.

Intravenous sedation is appropriate for patients with severe dental anxiety or who have to undergo extensive dental work.

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

Dental anxiety manifests in various forms and at different stages of the process. Others will have pre-procedure anxiety, whereas others will have overwhelming anxiety and fear. In any case, sedation dentistry caters to every patient with dental anxiety. Here are some of the benefits:

• If you have severe dental problems and need to undergo extensive dental treatment, sedation dentistry will help alleviate pain and discomfort.
• Patients who have certain conditions or cannot remain still during a dental procedure will also benefit from sedation dentistry.
• If you need to undergo multiple treatments, sedation dentistry can allow you to receive them during one visit saving you time and money.
• Patients with a sensitive gag reflex can also receive treatment since sedation dentistry helps relax the body.

Visit a Sedation Dentist Near You

Sedation dentistry is quite vital and has helped many patients receive dental care. Are you looking for sleep dentistry in Houston? Contact us at American Modern Dental if you need sedation dentistry in Houston, TX!