Sedation Dentistry Explained

 Do you get anxious whenever your dentist’s appointment comes up? Read on to learn how to manage dental anxiety with this form of dental treatment.

For some of us, the fear of being in a dentist’s chair can be quite overwhelming. Heart palpitations, excessive sweating, and dizzying spells are just some of the symptoms that you might experience at the prospect of or during a dental procedure.  

Reports also suggest that around 36% of Americans are afraid of dental treatments, with approximately 12% of the population being extremely afraid. As a result, people with dental anxiety tend to miss their dentist’s appointments, only ever going when there is severe discomfort. And even then, some cannot sit through a dental treatment without a nervous breakdown.

That’s why the field of sedation dentistry has emerged. This guide will explain everything you’ll need to know about sedation dentistry, although it’s always a good idea to speak with a professional.

 

Sedation dentistry refers to the various ways of administering sedatives to help relax clients before a dental procedure. The sedative works by inducing a temporary state of amnesia where you won’t experience any pain but remain conscious during the treatment procedure. This treatment is particularly useful when patients are unsettled or anxious about their upcoming procedure.

Types Of Sedation Dentistry

There are several ways your dentist can choose to sedate you, but that mostly depends on your comfort levels after any allergic reactions or pre-existing conditions have been accounted for. Largely speaking, there are four ways of administering sedatives during dental procedures:

1. Inhaling Nitrous Oxide (Mild)

Commonly known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is administered through a mask your dentist will put on right before the procedure. Your dentist will also manage the sedation's intensity, but nitrous oxide is typically used as a mild sedative, which wears off quickly after the procedure.

2. IV Sedation (Moderate)

Depending on your levels of anxiety or discomfort, your dentist might choose to deliver sedation intravenously. Because it goes directly into your bloodstream, the sedative takes effect much faster. Sedation levels can also be managed when delivering it through an IV, the effects of which may take an entire day to fully subside.

 

 

3. General Anesthesia (Deep)

Out of all four, the heaviest form of sedation is general anesthesia. Your dentist will only recommend this if your anxiety levels are extreme, i.e., you have dental phobia. Before a procedure begins, you will be put under anesthesia that keeps you almost completely unconscious. You can thus only awaken once the effects wear off.

4. Oral Sedation – WHS

Sedating clients via pills is perhaps the most common form of sedation dentistry. It’s simple, effective, and easily accessible for most people. West Hills Smiles also uses oral sedatives to sedate their clients with dental anxiety since it’s flexible enough to adjust dosage as needed. The pill must be taken an hour before the procedure for it to be effective.  

Your dental service provider must ensure that the sedative is administered responsibly. Make sure to speak with them if you’re allergic to anything, and be honest about your medical history.

What Is Sedation Dentistry Used For?

Typically, sedation dentistry is used to mitigate dental anxiety you may experience right before a procedure. But it can also be used to manage various symptoms that prevent your dentist from administering treatment. These may include:

· A bad gag reflex

· Dental Anxiety

· Sensitive teeth

· Low pain threshold

Sedation dentistry may also be used for extensive oral restoration procedures for those of you who need a few dental treatments. If you require Emergency Dental Services West Hills, call West Hills Smiles at (818) 346-4303.

Are There Any Risks With Sedation Dentistry?

Because sedation dentistry normally does not require a person to be unconscious – unless they have a dental phobia – there are very few risks involved. But what’s important to know about them is that they’re all temporary symptoms that should go away on their own in a couple of hours.

In the meanwhile, here are three of the most common risks with sedation dentistry for adults:

· Drowsiness

· Headaches

· Nausea

If you have any of these symptoms well after your dental procedure, call for a General Dentistry Services Calabasas and schedule a consultation.  

 

 

On the other hand, children might also experience discomfort after their dental procedure, manifesting in the following ways:

· Fever

· Snoring

· Irritability

· Nausea or vomiting

If you’re a parent who just had their child go through a dental procedure, it’s normal for your child to take their time to wake up after being sedated. At this time, your child’s dentist should be monitoring their vitals to ensure they’re doing fine. Once these side effects subside – in about 24 to 48 hours – your child will be back to their regular self.

Part of being a good dentist or dental service provider is clearly explaining the treatment plan to their client. Therefore, make sure to ask questions if you don’t have clarity on what procedures you’ll require. Remember, it’s part of your dentist’s job to make you feel relaxed enough before any procedure is undertaken, so make sure to speak honestly about your concerns.

Before opting for any sedation procedure, you should consult your dental service provider. If you’re looking for experts in sedation dentistry in Casablanca, Woodland Hills, or West Hills, you’ll benefit from getting in touch with West Hills Smiles.

Their sedation dentistry process is simple yet effective at reducing anxiety and sensitivity, allowing the dentist to proceed smoothly. At West Hills Smiles, sedation dentistry is often combined with general and cosmetic dentistry procedures such as root canals, laser-gum reshaping, and Emergency Dentist Near Me procedures.

Call today to speak with an expert or book an appointment for a proper consultation.