Sedation Dentistry

 

Does the idea of sitting in the dentist’s chair make your whole body tense with fear? You are not alone.

Most people are so nervous about going to the dentist that they opt for no treatment.

In fact, 1 person out of every 10 people avoid getting any dental treatment at all due to these feelings of dread.

And this can be risky because putting off needed dental care can seriously affect your health and self-esteem.

Luckily for such individuals, modern dentistry has developed a number of ways to help you bring that fear under control by;

• helping you relax beforehand,
• make time in the chair seem to pass quickly
• Ensure that you have little or no memory of the procedure after it’s completed.

Sedation dentistry can be used to take away some of that fear and anxiety. It entails the use of medication to help you relax during dental procedures. It can be used in a wide range of procedures, from invasive to simple procedures such as tooth cleaning.

In this article, we look at the different levels of sedation.

Levels of sedation

• Inhaling nitrous oxide

Nitrous oxide is the simplest and most effective way of easing anxiety in the dental chair. Also referred to as laughing gas, it is safe for adults and children.

The gas is inhaled through a mask that fits over your nose. Nitrous oxide, though short-acting, is a very effective way to bring on feelings of well-being and to let your anxiety dissolve away.

Also, you will be awake and aware during the whole procedure.

Unlike other kinds of sedation, it’s so easy to control the dose of nitrous oxide, and its effects are tapered off right after your dental work is done, with no hangover feeling afterward. This means that you can drive yourself back home or return to work after the dental procedure.

Nitrous oxide carries the least, and its effects wear off once the mask is removed.

• Oral sedation.

This is medication in pill form you take before a procedure.

Oral sedation is safe and effective. It makes you feel drowsy and gives you a feeling of peace and tranquillity. At the end of the procedure, you may have just a hazy recollection of what took place.

Oral sedation is often used for longer or more complicated dental appointments, but it can also help you get through routine appointments, exams, and professional teeth cleanings.

Since it in the form of a medication pill, it is taken by mouth. This is especially advantageous for people who are afraid of needles.

• Intravenous conscious sedation.

This kind of sedation is used for more complex procedures or for those who require a deeper level of relaxation.

Here, precise levels of the sedative drug are delivered through your veins right into your bloodstream.

This kind of sedation does not interfere with your breathing or response to verbal commands. Basically, you’re unconscious during the entire procedure, which means that you’ll probably have no recollection of the procedure at all.

This method is used by dentists who have special training since it entails the use of monitoring equipment that ensures patients’ safety at all times.

When the procedure is over, you’ll need a ride home and take the rest of the day off work.

Before using some kinds of sedation, your dentist will evaluate your overall health and take a complete medical history, including any prescription or non-prescription drugs or dietary supplements you’re taking.

With help from sedation dentistry, you can feel secure and safe during a dental procedure. The dental team monitors your vitals to ensure that you are receiving quality dental care without pain and safely.