The leadup to many dental procedures brings a certain amount of anxiety or even fear. This does not need to be the case. Thanks to sedation dentistry, you can approach your upcoming dental procedures without anxiety or fear.
Dental procedures generally don’t call for total unconsciousness via general anesthetic. This means that patients are usually conscious during dental procedures. The result is that dental professionals must work extra hard to ensure each patient is as calm, comfortable, and pain-free as possible throughout a procedure.
This includes a warm “chairside manner” rooted in compassion and empathy. When it comes to keeping a patient free of both anxiety and pain during a procedure, however, it’s sedation dentistry that saves the day!
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is the use of different medications to help you feel calm, comfortable, and pain-free during complex or invasive dental procedures. The medications used in sedation dentistry can be administered in a variety of ways. The type of sedation used depends on the patient’s needs and preferences, and the length and complexity of the specific procedure being performed.
Sedation Options for Anxious Patients
There is a range of non-general anesthesia sedation options used in dentistry. The effects of these different sedation techniques can be rather mild or quite deep, depending on the needs of a particular patient or procedure:
- Nitrous oxide — Also known as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is administered through a mask over the nose and induces relaxation during minor, non-invasive procedures.
- Oral sedatives — More potent than nitrous oxide, oral sedatives like Valium and Halcion are prescribed to a patient ahead of time and meant to be taken shortly before a procedure.
- IV sedation — This refers to the administration of a sedative directly into the bloodstream. IV sedation induces a deep relaxation during more invasive procedures like tooth extractions and root canals. IV sedation sometimes leaves patients with little recollection of their procedures.
Creating the Most Comfortable Dental Experience in Clearwater, FL
If you are in the Clearwater area and would like to learn more about sedation options for anxious patients and which might be best for you, contact Earl Santos and the Causeway Dentistry team to schedule a consultation!
