Sedation Dentistry
Do you get nervous when you’re going to the dentist’s office? Do you have tooth sensitivity that makes visiting the dentist’s office uncomfortable? Do you avoid making your dental appointments because of this anxiety or tooth sensitivity? If the answer to these questions is “yes,” you may be a good candidate for sedation dentistry.
Sedation dentistry is a tool that dentists use to keep patients comfortable during dental appointments. Sedation dentistry can be helpful if you have dental anxiety, or if you’re about to undergo a long and uncomfortable dental treatment.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is the use of sedation during dental procedures. Sedation dentistry is an important tool that can help anxious patients sit through dental appointments.
If you have dental anxiety, you may be a good candidate for sedation dentistry. Your dentist in Brooklyn, NY, can evaluate whether sedation dentistry is right for you. If so, they’ll let you know and recommend sedation dentistry for your next dental appointment.
Who Needs Sedation Dentistry?
People who are good candidates for sedation dentistry include:
- People with dental anxiety. If you have delayed or avoided making dental appointments because of your anxiety, sedation dentistry can make the experience of going to the dentist a less stressful experience.
- People who have tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity can make sitting through a dentist appointment very uncomfortable. Sedation dentistry can make going to the dentist more comfortable and relaxing.
- Patients who have a strong gag reflex. A strong gag reflex can make going to the dentist almost impossible. Sedation dentistry can relax your gag reflex, allowing you to sit through dental appointments in comfort.
- Patients who are about to undergo long, uncomfortable dental treatment. Long and uncomfortable dental treatments can be hard to sit through. Sedation dentistry makes it possible.
Types of Sedation Dentistry
There are several types of sedation dentistry. Your dentist will help you choose the level of sedation for your dental procedure.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, also known as “laughing gas” is the most common type of sedation dentistry. Nitrous oxide is a colorless, odorless gas inhaled through a mask the patient wears throughout the dental appointment. Nitrous oxide gives patients a feeling of calm and euphoria.
Nitrous oxide starts working almost immediately when the patient begins to inhale. Once the mask is removed, the nitrous oxide wears off quickly. This makes nitrous oxide convenient for patients and easy for dentists to administer.
Other Types
There are other types of sedation dentistry. Your dentist will choose the type of sedation dentistry for you based on the procedure you’re about to undergo and other factors. Some examples of the types of other types of sedation dentistry include:
- Oral conscious sedation: This is a pill that the patient takes before the dental appointment.
- IV sedation: IV sedation is administered by IV during the appointment.
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
There are many benefits of sedation dentistry. Below are some reasons to consider sedation dentistry if you have dental anxiety.
- Reduce the stress of going to the dentist: Going to the dentist doesn’t have to be stressful. When you get sedation dentistry, you can enjoy a low-stress visit to the dentist.
- No more avoiding your dental appointments: Many people who have dental anxiety avoid making dental appointments because of their dental anxiety. Sedation dentistry is good for your teeth.
- Makes some visits to the dentist possible: Some dental procedures are difficult to sit through without sedation. Sedation makes these procedures easy and low-stress.
Sedation Dentistry FAQ
Can I drive to the dentist’s office if I’m getting sedation dentistry?
If you receive nitrous oxide, you may drive yourself to and from the dentist. You may also go on to your normal job after your dentist appointment. Nitrous oxide clears out of the system almost as soon as the gas is shut off.
What is the most common type of sedation in dentistry?
The most common form of sedation in dentistry is nitrous oxide. It’s popular because of its convenience. It’s easy to administer and starts working within about 3 minutes of breathing it in. Nitrous oxide also wears off within a few minutes after the gas is shut off. Patients who take nitrous oxide remain awake throughout their appointment. While taking nitrous oxide, patients are calm and even euphoric.
Does nitrous oxide reduce pain?
Nitrous oxide doesn’t stop pain from happening, but it does make the patient indifferent to most discomfort. If the procedure that you’re about to undergo will be painful, the dentist will likely numb the area to make the procedure more comfortable.
Is sedation dentistry safe?
Sedation dentistry is very common and is considered safe when administered by a trained, professional dentist. Some people who receive sedation dentistry may have some lingering drowsiness after the procedure, but most complications (like allergic reactions) are very rare.
I’m interested in sedation dentistry for my next dental appointment. What should I do?
If you believe that sedation dentistry is a good option for you, contact your dentist to find out if you can schedule an appointment with sedation dentistry for your next visit.
Tips for Patients With Dental Anxiety
If you suffer from dental anxiety, sedation dentistry is only one tool to make going to the dentist a more comfortable experience. Communicate with your dentist about your anxiety. Your dentist can help you work out strategies to make your upcoming dental appointment less stressful.
Need Sedation Dentistry? We Can Help
Are you interested in sedation dentistry in Brooklyn, NY? Call today to discuss sedation dentistry at your next visit with the dentist.
