What You Need to Know About Sedation Dentistry
Most people delay visiting a dentist for fear of pain and often seek home remedies to relieve a dental problem. For example, you may resort to over-the-counter pain medication, but this is just a temporary measure since there may be some infection that requires assessment and treatment by qualified personnel. Beyond pure local anesthesia, anxious or pain-sensitive patients can benefit from modern sedation methods. Doctors apply Woodland Hills sedation dentistry when treating various dental problems. Here is everything you need to know about sedation dentistry.
What is sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is an intervention where your dentist uses medication to help you relax during various dental procedures such as root canal treatment, preventing discomfort or sensitivity during cleaning, and dental implants.
Oral vs. Nitrous oxide sedation
Doctors perform oral sedation in everyday dental practice because it is painless, and most patients have no trouble swallowing the pills. When applied correctly, there are fewer side effects.
On the other hand, nitrous oxide sedation is a safe and effective treatment where you inhale the gas through the mouth. The advantage of this method is that you are fully awake, and there is no risk of falling into unconsciousness. Also, it is a safe procedure with fewer side effects.
However, you may feel dizzy after the treatment, and it is essential to contact your dentist if you experience any complications.
Who is the right candidate for sedation dentistry?
For many patients, treatment at the dentist is not only uncomfortable but even unbearable. There can be a wide variety of reasons for this, and every one of them can lead to nervousness and panic for fear of pain associated with dental treatment.
Dental fear is a widespread phenomenon that affects many people, and treatment under such conditions can be challenging to manage. Your dentist may plan some intervention to ensure you are comfortable during the appointment and subsequent treatment.
In addition, doctors may recommend sedation dentistry if you have other medical conditions such as hyperactive gag reflex and mental or physical disabilities.
What to expect during treatment
The sedative has a calming effect, and if the doctor administers it intravenously, it takes less than a minute to take effect. You will be in a total relaxation state, and the doctor proceeds with the stress-free treatment.
In addition, the doctor may intervene with drugs to eliminate pain after treatment. You will feel relaxed, may fall asleep, and most often, you will not remember the happenings during the treatment. For some patients, it can reduce the panic symptoms, which can positively affect future treatments without the need to sedate.
During the treatment, the doctor monitors your body functions, and you can go home after the effects of the drug wear off.
Is sedation dentistry better than general anesthesia?
Typically, both treatment options are recommended to patients after a complete and extensive examination. Your doctor can recommend either treatment for various reasons, such as longer surgical procedures like implants.
Doctors may recommend sedation dentistry to make sure you are comfortable and relaxed during a dental procedure. Contact specialists at Couture Smiles to learn more about the options for sedation dentistry treatment.