Sedation Dentistry- Could It Be Right for You?

Have you ever felt anxious before a dental appointment? Well, you’re not alone. Dental surgery, while very common and safe, is usually not something people look forward to. Thankfully, we have a solution to this common scenario. With sedation dentistry, we can literally calm your nerves and send you off with a bright and grateful smile when you leave our office.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is the administration of drugs called sedatives that are used to calm patients before and during a dental procedure. These drugs directly affect the central nervous system, depressing the areas related to awareness.

These sedatives can be administered in different ways. One option is inhalation: patients inhale a combination of oxygen and nitrous oxide (also known as “laughing gas”), a mixture that provides an adequate level of sedation for the patient. Another method is oral administration: the patient swallows pills or fluids to ensure an anesthetic and calming effect. And finally, sedatives can be taken intravenously with the medication being injected directly into the bloodstream via needle.

Why should I consider Sedation Dentistry?

The main benefit of taking sedatives is to eliminate anxiety during a procedure. You will be relaxed, comfortable and more accepting of the procedure.

Advantages of sedation dentistry include:

• Movement: As sedation depresses the nervous system, you will be less prone to moving and reacting to the procedure with potentially damaging motions.
• Cooperation: Children or patients with mental disabilities may have a hard time sitting still during a visit. Sedation dentistry allows them to relax and thus cooperate more readily.
• Time: Longer appointments are sometimes harder for patients to sit through. Fortunately, sedation dentistry ensures that you will be more comfortable and less exhausted, simplifying the appointment even during a long procedure.

Contact us to find out how we can make your next appointment worry-free with sedation dentistry!