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.

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