Not everyone feels comfortable in the dental chair. If you experience anxiety when it’s time to see the dentist, you may be a good candidate for dental sedation. Knowing the options and how they can help you can help you decide whether dental sedation is a good option for your next visit to the dentist.
Key Takeaways
- Dental anxiety is a feeling of anxiousness that patients feel at the dentist’s office.
- There are several dental sedation options. The most popular is nitrous oxide.
- Nitrous oxide is a fast-acting sedation that is administered via a mask; it wears off quickly once the mask is removed.
- Response to sedation varies. Some patients feel calm during their dental appointment; others fall asleep.
Understanding Dental Anxiety
Dental anxiety may stem from previous experiences, fear of pain, or discomfort with the dental environment. Many people respond to their dental anxiety by avoiding appointments. Putting off dental cleanings can allow cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems to worsen.
Sedation can help make necessary treatment more manageable. Once you find a dental sedation that works for you, it’s easier to keep up with regular dental appointments.
Dental Sedation Options
Nitrous Oxide
Often called laughing gas, nitrous oxide provides a mild level of sedation. It’s inhaled through a small mask placed over the nose. The effects of nitrous oxide start almost immediately and wear off quickly after the gas is turned off. Nitrous oxide won’t put you to sleep, but it will help you feel more relaxed. When the work is done, you’ll remember everything that happened during the appointment. You can drive yourself home after the appointment ends.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation is a prescribed medication that you’ll take before treatment begins. Patients typically stay awake with oral sedation, but they may feel drowsy. During the appointment, you should feel relaxed and calm. You’ll need a ride home from the dentist. When the appointment is over, you may not remember it very well.
IV Sedation
IV sedation delivers medication directly into the bloodstream so the sedation level can be adjusted during treatment. IV sedation produces a deeper state of relaxation. You may remember little about the procedure when it’s over. You’ll need someone to drive you home.
General Anesthesia
General anesthesia produces complete unconsciousness during treatment. This sedation is used for complex procedures or situations where other sedation methods are not appropriate. General anesthesia requires additional monitoring and recovery time. You’ll need transportation and post-procedure assistance.
Choosing a Sedation Option
Your dentist will help you choose a sedation option. The appropriate approach depends on several factors, including the severity of your dental anxiety, the type and length of your procedure, your medical history, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is a good candidate for dental sedation?
You may be a good candidate for dental sedation if you have severe dental anxiety or if your dental anxiety has caused you to skip or miss dental appointments. Ask your dentist about sedation.
Can I drive myself home after dental sedation?
Whether you can drive yourself home after dental sedation depends on the type of sedation administered. Your dentist will tell you in advance whether you should arrange for a ride home.
Will I be awake during dental sedation?
You will likely stay awake during dental sedation if you are given nitrous oxide. Other types of sedation like IV sedation and oral sedation can put you to sleep.
Weninger Dentistry Offers Dental Sedation in Tampa, Florida
Not all dental practices offer dental sedation. If you’re interested in dental sedation for your next dental appointment, contact Weninger Dentistry for dental care in Tampa, Florida.