A Guide to Sedation Dentistry

Posted by: Dr. Sirakian Categories: Dentistry

If you are the type of person who hates the dentist, then sedation dentistry might be right for you. People who suffer from extreme anxiety and fear regarding going to the dentist can now opt to be sedated during the procedure.

If your dentist offers sedation dentistry, and finds that you are a candidate for sedation, then you could benefit from one of any of the types of dental sedation listed below.

Laughing Gas

While this form of sedation, known as nitrous oxide, doesn’t put you to sleep, it does help reduce your anxiety about the procedure. Laughing gas can be administered either orally through a machine and mask or through an injection.

Oral Conscious Sedation

This form of sedation is taken as a pill or liquid. When taken orally this option keeps you awake but calms you down and relaxes you.

IV Sedation

This is a deeper form of sedation that does not put the patient to sleep, but rather makes them less aware of the procedure. This option is given intravenously into a vein and requires recovery time after you leave the procedure.

General Anesthesia

Under general anesthesia, the patient will be asleep for the entire procedure. The drugs are administered through injection and a large amount of time is needed to recover after the procedure is over.

Ask your dentist if sedation dentistry is right for you and see what type of sedation they offer.

Source

Tea for Your Teeth!

It’s difficult to find a beverage you enjoy that wouldn’t pose any potential harm to your teeth. Whether it’s the acidity in fruit juice, or the acidity and high sugar content of soft drinks, finding something to quench your thirst without worrying about your dental health can be a challenge. However, tea lovers may have […]

Oral Health Tips for Those Aged 40-60

If you’re between 40-60 years old, you have unique concerns regarding your oral health. Here’s what you should be paying attention to. Gum Disease Gingivitis is the first and only stage of gum disease that is reversible. If not treated properly, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis—a serious, destructive disease. Some people with gum disease show […]

Could Fillings Become a Thing of the Past?

Could fillings be a thing of the past? Scientists in London have developed a pain-free filling that doesn’t require drilling or injections. Normally, a dentist would remove the decay by drilling and then the cavity is filled with a material such as amalgam or composite resin. The new treatment technique, developed by King’s College London, […]

Fighting Dental Cavities With Oil-Pulling

While there are many fads out there that claim to be beneficial for your general or dental health, oil-pulling actually is. It can reduce the number of cavity causing bacteria as well as reduce the tooth-eroding acidity in the mouth. Studies have also shown that oil-pulling can reduce the plaque index of your mouth. And […]

Beware of Brushing?

Too much brushing can’t hurt, right? Not exactly. The American Dental Association recommends that everyone brushes their teeth at least twice per day. If you’re especially keen about taking perfect care of your teeth, maybe you brush after meals too—be warned: there is a right way to do this. Researchers have discovered that brushing too […]