Sedation dentistry might be necessary when feeling anxious or nervous about visiting the dentist for routine care or certain procedures. Dental anxiety is a common condition and it can be caused for a variety of things. Some people have a fear of dentists due to past negative experiences, while others might be afraid of the tools used by dentists.
Sedation dentistry serves a crucial role since people with dental anxiety may do anything to avoid going to the dentist. As a result, minor dental issues are left to fester until they turn into something more serious. This leads to higher dental bills, more pain and extreme discomfort, all of which could be avoided if the appropriate measures were taken early on. It is the pain caused by serious dental issues like cavities and infections that often forces people with dental phobias to face their fears and see a dentist.
Sedation dentistry aims to keep patients with dental phobias relaxed during their treatments. This makes their experience at the dentist more pleasant while the dentist can get more work done. Here are the various levels of sedatives that can be used to keep patients calm and relaxed during treatments:
This is the first level of sedation used to combat dental anxiety. It can involve inhaled medication like nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas or oral medication. Laughing gas is used to keep patients calm and relaxed during their treatment. The medication is administered via a face mask and it takes effect within a few minutes. The effects wear off quickly, allowing patients to drive themselves home afterward.
Oral medication like Halcion, a type of valium, can be used to address the anxiety that might occur before getting to the clinic. The pill can be taken about an hour before the patient's appointment. Such medication will make a person drowsy, so transportation should be arranged.
These medications are used to put the patient in a reduced state of consciousness. The patient should still be able to respond to verbal commands given by the dentist during their treatment, but they might not remember what went on afterward. The patient's reflexes remain functional under the influence of these drugs and they can breathe without assistance. IV administration and oral medication are typically used as moderate levels in sedation dentistry.
This level of sedation leads to very low levels of consciousness and the patient might not be able to respond to commands. The patient might also need assistance breathing and keeping their airways open. This level of sedation dentistry is usually used during surgical treatments.
This leads to a total loss of consciousness that the patient cannot be awakened from even when stimulated with pain. The patient will need a ventilator to keep their airways open. This level of sedation is typically performed in a hospital setting for more complex oral procedures.
Call or visit our Fair Oaks clinic if you need help getting past any dental phobias.
Request an appointment here: https://www.charlesdentalgroup.dentist or call Charles Dental Group at (916) 236-4311 for an appointment in our Fair Oaks office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Sedation Dentistry in Fair Oaks, CA.
Invisalign® offers benefits that traditional braces and other methods of teeth straightening do not. The clear aligner treatment system is a convenient, comfortable and discreet treatment option that allows patients with mild to moderate teeth alignment concerns to achieve a more attractive smile that makes them proud. Every patient has their own reasons for considering and…
Root canal treatment is used to save a tooth when its pulp chamber has been damaged, as the blood vessels, connective tissues, and nerves in the pulp chamber are exposed to harmful irritants like bacteria and the acids that they produce. Root canal treatment involves the dentist removing the soft tissues in the pulp to…
If you are suffering from a toothache, the first thing you need to do is find out the cause of the pain and discomfort. If you know what is causing the pain, you will learn how to relieve that pain. You will also see if it comes with swelling and other symptoms. Keep reading to…
CEREC® crowns are becoming more and more popular as they offer an array of benefits that traditional dental crowns do not. However, because they are relatively new to dentistry, many people still have questions about what they are and what the treatment process entails.Below is a quick overview of CEREC dental crowns. This information can…
Invisalign® offers benefits that traditional braces and other methods of teeth straightening do not. The clear aligner treatment system is a convenient, comfortable and discreet treatment option that allows patients with mild to moderate teeth alignment concerns to achieve a more attractive smile that makes them proud. Every patient has their own reasons for considering and…
Root canal treatment is used to save a tooth when its pulp chamber has been damaged, as the blood vessels, connective tissues, and nerves in the pulp chamber are exposed to harmful irritants like bacteria and the acids that they produce. Root canal treatment involves the dentist removing the soft tissues in the pulp to…