If anxiety is keeping you from getting a dental implant or visiting a dentist, you could be risking your oral health and general well-being.
Dental anxiety is common, and so is sedation and implant dentistry. Sedation dentistry is a branch of dental science that deals with relaxing or calming patients with anxiety during a dental procedure.
If you are one of those people who delays visiting a dentist for implants or any other procedure, sedation dentistry can help you manage your fear.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation and implant dentistry involves specific techniques and medications that help relax and calm patients before and during dental procedures. Many restorative dentists prefer using nitrous oxide to help patients relax and sleep through the procedure.
With an increasing number of patients with dental anxiety, dentists are now providing various sedation options to those with dental anxiety or other medical conditions.
Who Needs Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry can benefit patients of various ages. Dentists usually recommend this for:
- Dental anxiety
- An extreme fear of visiting a dentist
- Over-sensitive gag reflex
- Extreme tooth sensitivity
- Fear of needles
- The feeling of claustrophobia in the dental chair
- Special needs include physical, cognitive, or behavioral
What are the Types of Sedations Used in Dentistry?
To help you relax throughout the procedure, a sedation dentist may use one of the following sedation options:
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Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Nitrous oxide is a milder sedative that helps patients unwind. Also known as “laughing gas,” it is administered through a mask placed over the nose. Although nitrous oxide cannot induce sleep, it can alleviate dental anxiety even in patients with gag reflexes.
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Oral Sedation
Oral sedation involves swallowing certain sedative medications that help ensure a calmer dental experience. This level of oral sedation can range from minimal to moderate. If you are looking forward to a dental implant or professional cleaning, oral sedation could be a potential option.
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Intravenous Sedation
As the name suggests, intravenous or IV sedation is administered directly into the patient’s bloodstream, resulting in a quick effect. This type of sedation induces a deep relaxation state and is typically preferred for lengthy procedures or patients with sensitive gag reflexes.
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General Anesthesia
General anesthesia is used when the dentist requires you to be in a deep unconscious state during the procedure. This option is mostly reserved for complex dental work or surgeries or in patients with extreme dental anxiety.
In some patients, dentists may even use a combination of nitrous oxide along with general anesthesia for an utterly unconscious state so that you do not feel any discomfort during the procedure.
When to Use Each Type of Sedation Dentistry?
Based on individual patient’s needs, the dentist may select one type of sedation over the other. This includes:
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Minimal Sedation
Generally, nitrous oxide is used when minimal sedation is required during dental care. The relaxant is suitable for patients with mild dental anxiety. This type of sedation helps you relax during a dental procedure, but you will still be awake. Moreover, the effect will also wear off quickly, which allows patients to go back home in a few hours.
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Conscious Sedation
Conscious sedation or moderate sedation refers to a sedation method during which the patient remains relaxed but is aware enough to follow instructions during a dental procedure. This type is suitable for more prolonged dental procedures or patients with a sensitive gag reflex.
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Deep Sedation
Deep sedation is mostly reserved for patients requiring extensive dental procedures. It is also suitable for patients with extreme dental anxiety or phobia. As the name suggests, this sedation subdues the patient into a deep state of unconsciousness during the procedure.
Since the intensity of sedation is generally high, patient vitals are closely monitored throughout to ensure safety and well-being.
What Are the Benefits of Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is beneficial in a number of ways, including:
- It reduces anxiety.
- It controls the gag reflex.
- It minimizes pain.
- It allows for extensive treatment in fewer visits.
- It is suitable for long procedures.
Takeaway
With several sedation techniques available, dental anxiety is much easier to manage. Sedation dentistry not only reduces your fear of dentists or dental procedures but also ensures a positive and pain-free experience.
If you have dental anxiety that is stopping you from visiting a dentist and accessing appropriate dental healthcare, you can contact the qualified team at Periodontal Specialists.
Our calm and positive ambiance, coupled with advanced technology and sedation dentistry, provides a seamless and pain-free dental experience. Schedule an appointment with us today!
