So, maybe you’re planning to get sedation dentistry. If so, you’re making a good choice – the option can make specific procedures smoother and more comfortable. That said, you may want to learn more about it first. Doing so would help confirm if sedation is right for you. It’s a good thing, then, that your local Rockwall dentist is here to help. To that end, here are the answers to four common questions about sedation dentistry.
What Exactly is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is a way to relax patients during dental procedures. In particular, it relies on various medications with known calming effects. A dentist will provide one or several of these drugs to you on the day of your visit.
Overall, nearly anyone can qualify for sedation dentistry. It’s highly safe and effective. You’re more likely to benefit, though, if you have:
- Dental Anxiety
- A Phobia of Needles
- Severe Tooth Sensitivity
- Difficulty Sitting still
- A Sensitive Gag Reflex
- Resistance to Local Anesthetic
What are the Types Available?
Often enough, dentists will offer several possible sedatives. The most common ones, though, are nitrous oxide sedation and oral conscious sedation.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
This sedation works by having you inhale nitrous oxide – better known by its nickname, “laughing gas.” As you breathe it in through a small nose mask, the gas will cause relaxation and euphoria. You’ll thus feel nice and calm as the dentist works on your teeth and gums.
A notable perk of nitrous oxide is its lack of “hangover.” In other words, its effects quickly fade when you stop breathing it. You can then recover quickly and drive back home or to work the same day.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Unlike nitrous oxide sedation, the oral conscious approach is less involved. It simply consists of taking a pill or tablet before your procedure. From there, the sedation kicks in within minutes.
Oral conscious sedation produces a stronger relaxation than nitrous oxide. In exchange, though, it can make some patients dizzy or even fall asleep. It can also alter your sense of time so that you don’t remember your visit.
What are Sedation Dentistry’s Perks?
In general, there are various benefits to adding sedation dentistry to your procedure. These include the following:
- Reduced patient anxiety, which makes treatment more comfortable
- Less lengthy procedures, as sedatives make patients more compliant
- Comprehensive care that lets patients undergo multiple procedures at once
- Faster recovery from treatment-related effects
As you can see, questions about sedation dentistry are well worth asking. Get more good answers, then, by booking a consultation with your local dental provider.
About the Practice
Spillman Family Dental is based in Rockwall, TX. Led by Dr. Travis Spillman, our practice provides effective and comprehensive dental care. As such, our treatments are high-quality and span preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, even including emergency procedures. You can also count on us for excellent, top-of-the-line dental sedation services! For more information or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (972)-945-0887.