What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry, sometimes called “Sleep Dentistry,” is a safe, gentle option used to help patients relax while they are having dental treatment. Medication will be used but you usually remain awake, unless you opt for a general anesthetic which will make you sleep.
Your doctor at Central Square Smiles will discuss the sedation options with you so that you can choose the one you prefer and which he feels is best suited to your circumstances:
Minimal inhaled sedation involves you breathing ‘laughing gas’ (nitrous oxide) mixed with oxygen via a mask. You will feel relaxed throughout the procedure and as this is not a heavy sedative, you can drive afterwards.
Oral sedation involves taking one or more medications at our office within an hour of the scheduled procedure to produce a calm, drowsy effect. Many of our patients feel so comfortable that they fall into a light sleep during the dental treatment and leave our office feeling refreshed.
IV Sedation (or Intravenous Sedation) involves administering sedation medication through a special drip into a vein in the arm or hand. IV sedation is safe, effective, and best of all works quickly. It is often called “Sleep Dentistry” because it puts you into a very relaxed and dreamlike state. You feel almost no pain, but at the same time, you are able to respond if your dentist asks you questions during the procedure.
As well as being sedated, your doctor will still apply a local anesthetic into your gum so that you will not feel any pain while he works on your teeth.
What are the benefits of Sedation Dentistry?
Being sedated while you have dental work completed brings with it many benefits. Your anxiety will be relieved, you will be less aware or totally unaware of the procedure being carried out and your fear will be a thing of the past.
Who should consider Sedation Dentistry?
If the thought of dental treatment fills you with dread, then sedation dentistry is well worth considering. Whether you have a phobia or something less, by allowing your dentist to sedate you, dental treatment can be carried out quickly and efficiently. Talk to Central Square Smiles about sedation dentistry if you have problems with any of the following:
- A fear of dentists
- Low pain threshold
- Very sensitive teeth
- A gag reflex that causes problems during treatment
- Need to have a vast amount of work carried out
Even children can be treated with oral sedation as it is very safe and will ensure that treatment takes place effectively and without any stress or anxiety.
