For many people, visiting the dentist can be very nerve-wracking. Whether due to fear, anxiety, or a sensitive gag reflex, seeing a dentist can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, sedation dentistry in Dacula is available to make your treatment more comfortable and stress free. If you have ever looked for a dentist near you who can help with dental anxiety, you should first learn how sedation will change that experience into a worry-free smile.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry refers to the use of a medication to help the patient relax while receiving dental treatment. Depending on the method of sedation, you may be unaware of the procedure, or in the case of general anesthesia, asleep. Sedation is often used when a patient has dental phobias, excessive sensitivity, or lengthy treatment.
Types of Sedation Dentistry
Once you’ve learned about sedation dentistry, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the types of sedation dentistry available:
- Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
A mild sedative that you breathe in through a mask. It works quickly, allowing you to relax while you stay awake. It’s also fairly easy to reverse; within minutes of removing the mask, the effects will wear off to the point that you should be able to drive yourself home. - Oral Sedation
Oral sedation is given to you in pill form before your appointment. Depending on dosage, oral sedation can be a mild and moderate level of sedation. Many patients described feeling medium drowsiness, but they still stayed awake and simply followed the dentist’s instructions. - IV Sedation
IV sedation is delivered directly into your bloodstream. The dentist will be able to control the amount of sedation you receive during the entire procedure. IV sedation is ideal for some procedures with greater extent or length. - General Anesthesia
General anesthesia provides the deepest level of sedation. This type of sedation is scheduled for limited, specific instances, hence it is the least common type of sedation. You will be altogether asleep, and you will have no clue what happens during the (surgery) procedure until it is done.
How Sedation Dentistry Works
If your question is how sedation dentistry works, then in most cases the process will have these stages:
If you’re wondering how sedation dentistry works, the process usually involves these steps:
- Consultation: Your dentist in Dacula will go over your medical history, anxiety, and need for treatment to recommend the best kind of sedation.
- Preparation: You will be asked to refrain from food or drink before your visit for oral sedation or IV sedation.
- Administration: You will get the sedative, whether by gas, pill, or IV, just before or during the procedure.
- Relaxation: Sedation helps to ease anxiety, deaden discomfort, and make you feel comfortable through the procedure.
- Recovery: Nitrous oxide dissipates quickly, but with oral and IV sedation, there may be a need to spend some time recovering, and you will need a ride home..
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
Patients opt for sedation not only for anxiety relief. Here is the listed benefits of sedation dentistry:
- Calms Fear and Stress: Makes it possible to go to the dentist without issue, even for patients who have an extreme fear of dentistry.
- Enhances Comfort: Sedation helps alleviate sensitivity to pain and helps patients with strong gag reflex issues.
- Treat Well: Dentists can do more with fewer visits because of the patient’s calmness and stillness.
- Safe and Monitored: Sedation is provided with clinicians overseeing the patient’s safety.
Is Sedation Dentistry Right for You?
Sedation dentistry is good for patients who are:
- Not visiting the dentist because of anxiety.
- In need of multiple or complex procedures.
- Unable to sit still for long periods of time.
- Extremely sensitive to dental services or have a low pain threshold.
Your dentist near you can help you find the best sedation option for you.
Wrapping Up
If you are avoiding dental attention because of fear or discomfort, sedation can get you through your next visit comfortably. At Kinsey Smiles, we offer safe and effective sedation dentistry near you to keep every patient relaxed while in the chair. Call or schedule an appointment with a reputable dentist in Dacula today and see how sedation dentistry can enhance your smile.