Facing major oral surgery is no picnic. You have to endure a lot of uncomfortable and painful pinching, poking, and prodding. For some people, the pressure is too much and it can even become a phobia. If this describes you, you may benefit from seeing a sedation dentist. Sedation dentistry dispenses with localized numbing agents such as Novocaine in favor of anesthesia. The idea is to put you to sleep to ease your anxiety. Sedation dentistry may be just what you need to get through your next major dental appointment. Fortunately, Splendid Dental Atascocita offers the services you need.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry provides an important alternative for people who cannot stomach major dental work. It’s also useful for people with low pain thresholds, physical disabilities, or a strong gag reflex.
You don’t go completely under during a period of sedation dentistry. You’re typically in a state known as “conscious sedation.”
The exact type of sedative will depend on the extent of the work you need to be done and the level of your fear or other issues.
The kinds of work that can be done in sedation dentistry include:
- Extractions
- Root canals
- Fillings
- Crowns
- Bridges
If you have a phobia or can’t handle the uncomfortable nature of dentistry, call for a consultation with our Splendid Dental Atascocita sedation dentist.
Sedation Dentistry Facts
Sedation dentistry is available at three levels: mild, moderate, and deep sedation. Your dentist will first take a detailed medical history. Some of the criteria rest on what kinds of other medications you’re taking, your body weight, and whether you’re experiencing other types of illness that may cause problems with the sedation. The American Dental Association has developed a detailed list of clinical guidelines for sedation dentistry.
Research studies in the past have suggested that about ten to fifteen percent of the population struggles with a fear of dental procedures, and therefore may be candidates for sedation dentistry.
If you fall into that population group and need a dental procedure, then consider a consultation with a sedation dentist.
Types of Sedation
It may be helpful to understand what kinds of anesthetics are typically administered in sedation dentistry. Keep in mind that the level of sedation will depend on your particular situation. Both the dental work you need to be done and your level of fear will be taken into consideration.
The deepest levels of sedation are reserved for individuals with the highest amount of fear and phobia. This typically will require intravenous (IV) sedation, where the medication is administered through a vein in your arm or your hand. IV sedation tends to work fastest.
A middle approach involves oral sedation. This is typically consumed either through the mouth or the nose and generally begins working in about 20 minutes, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
The mildest form of sedation involves nitrous oxide, also known as “laughing gas.” Nitrous oxide is administered via a mask. For more questions about the process, reach out to a Splendid Dental Atascocita sedation dentist.
Ease Anxiety with Sedation Dentistry at Splendid Dental Atascocita
Going to the dentist presents some of us with enormous anxiety, and there’s no rhyme or reason to it. If this describes you, you may want to consider a sedation dentist’s services. Lovett Splendid Atascocita offers sedation dentistry services along with a full suite of general dentistry options. Let our experienced clinical team support your whole family’s needs, whether you need professional teeth cleaning, fillings and sealants, dental crowns and bridges, or specialized services such as dental implants. Contact our team at 713-244-7790 when you need us.