For people who suffer from dental anxiety, sedation dentistry is an effective and simple solution. Adding sedation to local anesthesia for restorations, extractions, and other dental work allows you to relax completely without having to be unconscious or face the risks of general anesthesia.
How Sedation Dentistry Works
Most dental work is performed under a local anesthetic, to remove feeling from the tooth and surrounding gum tissues. Yet, many people find that additional sedation helps them relax and avoid anxiety while their teeth are being worked on. Sedation dentistry is an effective way to reduce worry, allowing you to be calm and comfortable while the dentist works on your teeth.
The most common types of sedation are administered in pill form or in the form of nitrous oxide. Sometimes intravenous sedation is used. Sedation allows you to remain conscious and aware, while making you feel very relaxed and often giving you a distorted sense of time—the appointment feels like it goes by very quickly. If you are to receive a sedative in pill form, your dentist will usually supply this ahead of time so it can take effect. You will need to have someone drive you to and from the appointment. Nitrous oxide, by contrast, is administered while you’re being worked on. It affects you immediately and wears off very quickly once you are no longer inhaling the gas.
Advantages of Sedation Dentistry
Sedation carries considerably less risk and a much smaller chance of side effects than general anesthesia. You are not unconscious and can respond to questions and directions. You probably won’t remember many of the details of the work being done, though this reaction varies from patient to patient and can also depend upon the type of sedation used.
With sedation, your dentist can work more easily and can even complete several procedures at a time while you remain calm and relaxed. If you have put off important dental work due to your anxiety, sedation is a great way to get caught up and improve your oral health.
If you’re ready to schedule your next dental appointment and interested in sedation, call Reston Serenity Smiles today to speak with one of our caring team members.