Continue reading to find out the different types of sedation dentistry

Sedation dentistry is becoming increasingly popular because it effectively alleviates dental anxiety. It helps people with dental phobias to stay comfortable during a lengthy dental procedure. It is a common method that is used for minimizing the patient’s awareness of the procedure. This article discusses sedation dentistry and its types in detail.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

• During the dental treatment, a sedative is administered to the patient to help alleviate the fear of treatment. It is a common dental routine that helps patients stay calm, relaxed, and comfortable during the procedure. It is a moderate level of sedation that focuses on relieving stress and pain.

Patients are technically awake during the procedure but do not feel any pain. It is sometimes referred to as conscious sedation dentistry. A short-term state of forgetfulness is created in which patients experience insensitivity to pain.

Types Of Sedation Dentistry

Laughing gas, oral sedation, and IV sedation are the three common types of sedation dentistry. The type of sedative to be administered depends on the patient’s medical history and certain other factors.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation

• Nitrous oxide or laughing gas is safe for children and adults who have mild anxiety. Since it helps the patient relax in the chair, it is recommended for patients with dental anxiety or phobia. For administration of nitrous oxide, a mask is gently placed over the nose. The patient is told to take deep breaths. Laughing gas is a low-impact mild sedative that starts working within a few moments.

The patient remains conscious and relaxed during the procedure. The effects of the gas wear off quickly. So, the patient can return to work or drive as soon as the procedure is completed. Compared to other sedatives, laughing gas carries the least risk. Laughing gas can be used for all sorts of dental procedures including root canal and dental cleaning.

Oral Sedation

• As the name implies, this type of sedative is taken in the form of a pill through the oral route. A low to moderate dosage is induced depending on the dosage and requirements of the procedure. Oral sedation makes the patient feel drowsy. With moderate sedation, patients won’t remember the procedure even though they are conscious.

However, sometimes the patients fall asleep during the procedure. Patients are asked to take the pill one hour before the procedure. In addition, the patients may need someone to drive them home from the clinic. Both nitrous oxide and oral sedation are perfect options for those who have a fear of needles. This is because these types of sedatives do not need to be injected.

Sedation Using IV Line

• In IV sedation, an IV line is inserted into a vein in the arm. The IV line is useful for providing a steady flow of sedatives so the patients remain unconscious during the entire procedure. This allows patients to feel safe while receiving quality dental care without any stress or pain. Vital signs are monitored closely. It is ensured that the patient is breathing properly through the oxygen mask.

Patients Who Need Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry can benefit patients of all ages and genders including children and adults. Sedation dentistry is recommended for people with the following conditions:

• Dental anxiety or the fear of treatment
• Sensitive gag reflex
• Fear of needles
• People who have claustrophobia
• People who have difficulty controlling movements
• People with special needs such as physical, mental, or behavioral disabilities.

If you are nervous about the pain during the procedure, do not delay your dental treatment. Get in touch with our experts at Icon Dental Center we will let you know if sedation dentistry is right for you. We are a team of highly specialized dental professionals providing top-notch dental services in Everett and Seattle. Call us today at 206-225-2882 and let us take care of your dental treatment needs.