How To Prepare for Sedation Dentistry
Are you looking for a way to calm your dental visits with sedation dentistry in Sugar Land?
Many people are terrified of visiting the dentist. Whether it is the fear of pain or the alarming sounds of a dental drill, some people avoid the dentist at all costs. In fact, people who are experiencing true dental problems may even let these issues continue to worsen strictly out of fear of visiting the dentist. This is where sedation dentistry may play a key role in allowing those who have dental phobias to get the quality care they deserve in order to have a healthy mouth. What is sedation dentistry? Who benefits from this practice? How can you prepare for a successful sedation dentistry appointment? Read on below to discover the answers to these questions.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is a specialized field that utilizes various forms of medication to allow a patient to be completely relaxed through all types of dental procedures. Patients are generally awake during their procedure, but they experience a unique type of deep relaxation that takes much of the anxiety of visiting a dentist away.
Who Benefits from Sedation Dentistry in Sugar Land?
People of all ages and walks of life can benefit from sedation dentistry. If fear of going to the dentist stands in your way on a regular basis, you may benefit from seeking a skilled and compassionate sedation dentistry specialist. Additionally, those who have a sensitive gag reflex or have trouble sitting still can also benefit from this form of dentistry.
The Different Types of Sedation Dentistry in Sugar Land
Sedation dentistry can be performed in many different ways. As a result, not all dentists specializing in this field will perform sedation dentistry in the same manner. Consider the different types of sedation dentistry described below.
* Laughing Gas
In this type of sedation dentistry, nitrous oxide is inhaled through a mask placed over the patient’s face. When this odorless gas is inhaled, a wave of calming relaxation comes over the individual. The dentist can control how much gas the patient receives, thus controlling the level of sedation they experience.
* Oral Sedation
With oral sedation, the patient is administered an oral medication that induces a relaxed state. Most dentists using this method prescribe valium or a similar type of drug. The medication will make the patient drowsy and relax them, but they will remain awake and in control during the procedure.
* IV Moderate Sedation
With IV moderate sedation, the patient receives sedating drugs intravenously throughout the procedure. This means a needle is placed in a vein in the patient’s hand or arm to deliver relaxing medication on an ongoing basis throughout their appointment. IV sedation drugs work very quickly to provide relief from panic and fear associated with visiting the dentist.
* Deep Sedation
With deep sedation, the patient is either almost unconscious or completely asleep during their procedure. With this level of sedation, the patient will be difficult to awaken until the effects of the medication have worn off after the procedure ends.
What to Expect During Sedation Dentistry
Once you have been made as comfortable as possible, your dentist will give you your medication using one of the methods mentioned above. Your dental team will likely still provide local anesthetic to numb the area of your mouth that will be worked on. This will ensure that you don’t feel any local discomfort throughout the procedure. Your dental team will carefully monitor the level of medication you receive for the duration of your procedure to ensure you remain relaxed.
Once your procedure has ended, your anesthesia will gradually wear off. Depending on the type of anesthesia you were given, this process could take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour or more. Your dental team will keep you in a recovery area while your anesthesia wears off, after which you will be given appropriate aftercare instructions.
Learn more:Â Sedation Dentistry FAQ
How to Prepare for Your Dental Visit
We want you to be as comfortable as possible during your dental procedures at our offices. It is ideal to wear comfortable clothing and shoes for your appointment. If you would like to listen to soothing music, you are also welcome to bring personal headphones or other items that enhance your comfort level.
The important thing to remember is that your comfort is our top concern from the moment you walk in the door. We will take every step possible to ensure your procedure is performed in a comfortable, stress-free, and pain-free manner. Depending on the level of sedation you opted for, you may not remember much about your time in our office. Due to the extended effects of anesthesia in some individuals, you may need to have a family member accompany you to ensure you get home safely following your appointment.
Finding a dentist you can trust is an important part of keeping your mouth healthy for life. We provide reliable expertise in all types of dentistry practices in the Sugar Land, Texas area. If you’re plagued by fears and phobias surrounding visiting the dentist, contact our office today to inquire about the ways sedation dentistry can help you get the healthy mouth you deserve.
Learn More about how Sedation Dentistry reduces anxiety
