Be pain-free with sedation dentistry. Dentists use a combination of sedation and anesthetic to keep you relaxed and pain-free throughout your procedure. Many patients leave the appointment with little to no memory of their treatment and feel good afterward. Many people avoid dental care because of fear of the dentist. Sedation dentistry can be their answer. It can be the positive answer to dental pain, infection, and damaged teeth because of not wanting to step inside a dental office.
Who Needs Sedation Dentistry?
Patients who consider sedation dentistry often have different reasons for their interest, such as the following:
- A negative past experience
- Phobia related to dental procedures
- Fear of pain or gagging and choking
- Particularly sensitive oral nerves
- Small mouth that becomes sore during dental work
- Resistance to local anesthetic
- General anxiety disorder
- Have a low pain tolerance
If you recognize yourself in any of those problem areas, consider asking your dentist about sedation dentistry. Dental sedation can help patients get through many types of dental work, such as root canals, tooth extractions, dental implantation, and more. However, it’s typically not offered for regular dental cleanings, X-rays, and other routine care. Cases of extreme anxiety may be a viable reason for sedation during those procedures, though.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
With sedation, the dentist administers a drug before or during the dental procedure. Only one type — general anesthesia — renders the patient completely unconscious. The other forms will relax you but won’t knock you out completely.
The most common types of sedation are:
- Nitrous oxide: A gas that relaxes you during the procedure. It wears off quickly, so your dentist might let you drive yourself home after the appointment.
- Oral sedatives: Oral sedatives, such as diazepam, also help relax patients during dental procedures. You typically take them an hour or so before your appointment. You’re fully awake but less anxious, and you might feel a little sleepy until it wears off.
- Intravenous sedatives: IV sedation is administered through the vein, so it goes to work more quickly. Intravenous, or IV, sedatives can put you in varying stages of consciousness. This is also known as general anesthesia and, as mentioned above, will put you into a deep sleep until it wears off. Other IV drugs, however, can put you into a “twilight sleep.” You’re less aware of your surroundings, you might feel sleepy, and you might not remember much of the procedure once it’s over.
If you’re worried about upcoming dental work, ask your dentist about dental sedation. If he or she practices it, you might feel better about getting into the chair, and you won’t have to worry about persistent dental issues that cause you pain and other problems. You might prefer dental sedation or sleep dentistry. Mention any allergic reactions you’ve experienced in the past, especially to anesthesia, so your dental professional can make safe, educated recommendations.
Contact us (859) 586-7900 for more information or to make an appointment!
About Torbeck Dental
Torbeck Dental treats every patient with dignity and excellent care. We are highly trained dental professionals with exceptionally friendly and helpful service. We understand that for many, visiting a dentist can be a stressful experience so our comfortable surroundings and compassionate staff will ease any fears you may have. We are here to help you achieve your happiest and healthiest smile! Our dental team are a group experienced professionals using the latest treatments. Our team has the professional experience to realize that there is no such thing as one-size-fits-all treatment, so we never use a one-size-fits-all approach to your dental plan. We provide quality and personalized oral health care while keeping your individuality in mind. Our goal is to improve and maintain your oral health so you can smile with confidence!