Everything About Sedation Dentistry

Patients who suffer from dental-related anxiety may avoid regular checkups and cleanings out of fear. A fear of the dentist can stem from bad experiences in the past, or from negative stories they’ve heard from others. No matter how long it’s been since your last dental appointment, sedation dentistry can help you relax and regain your confidence during dental care.

What is sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is a gentle dentistry technique used to treat patients who are anxious or afraid about dental treatments. Most patients are nervous, whether due to a bad experience in the past or fear of the unknown. Sedation dentistry helps calm nervous patients and allows the dentist to offer more services.

Types of dental sedation

• Oral sedation

Oral sedation involves taking an oral medication prior to an appointment. This medication slows the central nervous system and may cause you to feel relaxed. It can also make you drowsy.

• Nitrous oxide

Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is often used for dental sedation. Laughing gas is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a mask. The patient stays awake throughout the procedure, but may feel more relaxed and less nervous. Laughing gas wears off quickly and the patient can drive home after the procedure.

• Intravenous (IV) sedation

Dr. Smith works with a skilled anesthesiologist who provides IV sedation in the office. This type of sedation involves using medication that is delivered intravenously, or through a vein. Typically, this type of sedation is used for extremely anxious patients or patients who need a large amount of dental work completed.

• General anesthesia

General anesthesia is medication-induced sleep that allows you to sleep through an entire dental procedure. This can be the ideal sedation method when receiving complex procedures, such as surgical extractions or dental implants.

How often is dental sedation used?

Sedation dentistry is used to treat patients suffering from dental-related fears and anxieties, as well as for patients who need to undergo extensive dental procedures.

Although sedation dentistry is used for a wide range of dental procedures, there are certain procedures that are more common than others. Some of the most common sedation dentistry procedures include:

• Extractions
• Dental implant placements
• Wisdom teeth extractions
• Root canals
• Root canals
• Oral surgery
• Orthodontic treatments

Benefits of sedation dentistry

Dental sedation can be helpful for anyone who is afraid of the dentist or has dental anxiety. Sedation dentistry can also help those with sensitive teeth. The medication used for sedation dentistry can make you feel very relaxed, or it may cause you to sleep through the procedure. Its benefits include:

• A comfortable dental experience
• No memory of dental procedure
• Less dental anxiety
• Better oral health
• No gag reflex/dry mouth
• Helpful for children and special needs patients

Please get in touch with our dental practice in Anaheim Hills, CA, to have a consultation with our Dentist in Anaheim Hills. Please call us at (714) 974-0949 or schedule an online consultation, and we'll guide you further.