Sedation dentistry is a wonderful choice for patients who feel anxious or nervous about their dental treatment. Sedation dentistry involves using a sedative medication to help you feel more relaxed and calm during your visit. There are several types of sedation dentistry available based on your individual needs and preferences:
- Nitrous oxide (N2O), also known as laughing gas. This sedative gas is mixed with oxygen and inhaled during your treatment to help you feel more relaxed. Nitrous oxide is a mild form of sedation that wears off within just a few minutes after we stop the flow of gas.
- Oral sedation, which involves taking an oral medication before your treatment. By the time of your appointment, you will feel calm and at ease.
- IV sedation, which involves administering sedative medication intravenously (through the veins). This method of delivery enables our prosthodontists to provide the sedation more quickly, as well as easily control the level of sedation to ensure that you stay comfortable. IV sedation is a form of conscious sedation, meaning that it will not make you unconscious, but you may feel so relaxed that you fall asleep during your treatment. You may also not remember all of the details of your visit.
If you suffer from dental anxiety, if you have had negative experiences at the dentist in the past or if you simply feel nervous about your treatment, sedation dentistry can help you feel more at ease. Sedation dentistry is also a good choice for patients who have difficulty getting numb or who have an extremely sensitive gag reflex.
For more information on sedation dentistry and how it can make your dental experience more pleasant, we welcome you to contact us today.
