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

How a Virus Can Help Prevent Infections

Researchers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s Faculty of Medicine have found a virus, of all things, that may help solve some problems of root canals. Their research suggests that we can turn the tables on post-procedural bacterial infections by utilizing a type of virus called a bacteriophage. Bacteriophage viruses attack bacteria specifically, which offers […]

Bacteria-Causing Gum Disease May Lead to Oral Cancer Growth

As we get older, we need to pay more and more attention to our oral hygiene. If we keep it healthy, we will be at a less risk for common issues such as cavities, but more importantly, we will limit our risk for gum disease and oral cancer. A recent study from Case Western states […]

Redheads More Resistant to Novocaine

Although the connection seems unlikely, there is new evidence that suggests that if you have red hair, you are more resistant to local anesthetics like Novocaine. This fact leads to redheads being about 20% more likely to have anxiety about dental procedure, and are much more likely to skip a trip to their dentist! All […]

Different Types of Dental X-Rays

During a dental appointment, it’s not uncommon for your dentist to want to take a closer look at what’s going on inside your mouth using an X-ray. They’re useful tools for dental professionals, but for the rest of us, they can sometimes be a little intimidating. Here’s a quick guide on some of the most […]

Could 3D Printing Be the Future of Root Canals?

Root canals are one of the most common dental procedures in the United States. Annually, approximately 15 million are conducted. If you do the math, that’s around 41,000 a day! Despite their status as a mainstay in dentistry, as well as the best way to save a tooth, root canals can occasionally have adverse effects […]