Dental anxiety is a real thing. In fact, many people avoid going to the dentist altogether because they’re afraid of getting their teeth cleaned or having their wisdom teeth extracted. This not only means patients aren’t getting their teeth cleaned regularly, but they also aren’t getting preventative care. This is dangerous for your oral health and also leads to dental emergencies when the pain becomes too much to handle.
Sedation dentistry refers to the use of pharmacological agents to help patients relax during dental treatment. Sedation dentistry uses medication, such as nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation, to help patients relax during dental procedures.
Types of Sedation Dentistry
There are three main types of sedation dentistry:
- Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a mild sedative that has minimal side effects. Nitrous oxide is administered through a mask, and the patient breathes in the gas. The gas is mild and wears off quickly.
- Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation is administered in pill form. A patient takes an oral sedative pill one hour before their appointment. The oral sedative produces a drowsy feeling. The patient remains awake but is drowsy and calm. The oral sedative typically wears off by the time a patient finishes their appointment.
- Intravenous Sedation
The patient is injected with a sedative agent and is unconscious throughout the procedure.
Who Can Benefit From Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry offers patients a way to receive the dental care they need without experiencing anxiety or fear. Patients who experience dental fears or phobias can benefit from sedation dentistry as it offers a way to receive their dental treatments comfortably and without fear.
Sedation dentistry can benefit children and adults alike. If you have anxiety about seeing the dentist, this can help you feel more at ease during your treatment. The patients who can benefit from sedation dentistry include:
- Patients who are anxious about their dental treatments
- Patients with a sensitive gag reflex
- Patients who have very sensitive teeth
- Patients who have complex dental problems
- Patients who have difficulty sitting still for long periods of time
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry offers several benefits, including the following:
- Reduces potential discomfort
- Reduces anxiety
- Allows for multiple procedures to be completed at once
- Allows for complex procedures or surgery to be completed in less time than would otherwise be required
The Safety of Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry is completely safe, and patients who are sedated are closely observed and monitored by highly trained medical professionals.
To learn more about the services offered at Tava Dentistry, call Dentist in Colorado CO at (719) 434-6630 or visit our dental office located at 320 E Fontanero St #302, Colorado Springs, CO 80907.
