When it comes to dental work, not everyone is comfortable just sitting still while someone puts their hands inside of their mouth. Some people may have a general phobia of dentists, or they may have extremely sensitive teeth. Whatever the reason, it is important to know that there are various sedation options available that can make getting the dental work you need.
Option #1: Oral Sedation
One of the most common methods of sedation is oral sedation. With oral sedation, you are given a pill.
You are generally given the pill about an hour before your procedure, so the pill has time to process in your system. This pill is going to make you feel relaxed and drowsy. However, it will not put you completely to sleep. It will put you more into a state of deep relaxation.
The amount of oral sedation you are given can vary greatly, from very minimal sedation to more moderate sedation based on what you need. The amount you are given will be based upon your specific medical history and sedation needs.
Option #2: IV Sedation
Another option is IV sedation. IV sedation is given to you via a line that goes through your vein. IV mediation is designed to get the sedation drugs quickly into your system. With IV sedation, the dentist can adjust your level of sedation throughout your procedure as needed. With this type of sedation, a trained medical professional will need to be present
Option #3: Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide sedation is often also referred to as inhaled sedative with minimal impact. Its common name is laughing gas. A breathing mask is placed over your face, and you breathe it in. Your dentist can easily regulate how much nitrous oxide you are administered. With this type of sedation, you can communicate with your dentist. However, you will be in a general state of relaxation.
Option #4: General Aesthesia
With general anesthesia, often referred to as deep sedation, you are put into a state where you are unconscious or almost completely unconscious.
You should not remember the procedure as you will not be conscious for the procedure. This type of sedation is usually only used if only completely necessary and will require the presence of an anthologist to monitor your breathing and heart rate while you are unconscious.
If you are not comfortable going to the dentist and getting dental work done for whatever reason, you need to talk to your dentist about your various sedation dentistry options. Together you can work with your dentist to determine the best sedation options for your particular situation.
If you are tired of coming down with dental problems, the problem might not be your toothpaste. Instead, it could be your habits tied to your dental care. Aggressive brushers, people who have a tendency to forget, and even people who are flossing improperly could be left with serious dental issues, which is why it really pays to focus on mastering the small things. From moving forward with a better brushing routine to doing what you can to identify and resolve ongoing decay, making your dental health a priority is instrumental in preventing pain and added budgetary strains. Check out this blog to find out more.