HOW SEDATION DENTISTRY IS HELPING MILLIONS OF PEOPLE GET THE ORAL CARE THEY NEED
Although
there has been no known study to date about just how many patients worldwide
have benefited from sedation dentistry, it’s likely that number is in the
millions, and if it isn’t yet, it soon will be as word spreads about how easy
it is to get the dental care you need – even if you suffer from anxiety.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is the use of medications to help ease anxiety or fear
before, during or after a dental appointment. The strength and variation of
medications depends on the severity of the anxiety and how much dental work is
needed. For patients with severe anxiety or phobias, complete sedation is even
available in order to complete years of dental work in only one procedure.
What Are the Different Levels of Sedation?
Minimal Sedation: This is the mildest form of sedation dentistry and involves inhaling nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, to help the patient feel relaxed. This is also the only form of sedation dentistry after which the patient can drive themselves home.
Moderate Sedation: In moderate sedation, an oral medication is given to the patient, usually with instructions to take it an hour before the procedure. The medication will make the patient feel drowsy and relaxed, and some people don’t even remember the dental procedure afterward. Some patients may even fall asleep with this form of sedation but are easily awakened with a gentle shake.
Deep Sedation: Deep sedation is similar to moderate sedation as it uses medications taken either orally or intravenously to calm the patient. But with deep sedation, the patient is generally on the edge of consciousness or asleep but can be wakened easily if needed.
General Anesthesia: With general anesthesia, the patient is completely unconscious for the entire procedure. The patient cannot be awakened until the anesthesia wears off and may need assistance with oxygen due to the nature of the sedation. This form of sedation is best for patients with phobias or severe anxiety that have kept them from visiting the dentist for a long period of time, resulting in severe problems with their oral health.
For more information about sedation dentistry or to schedule an appointment at Pinnacle Oral Surgery Specialists, call us today at (469)264-8921.
