Safe Sedation Dentistry: What You Need to Know Before Your Appointment
Dental visits are critical not only for your oral health, but also for your overall health. Many people experience fear and anxiety at the thought of going to the dentist and all too often, it prevents them from ever going or even scheduling an appointment. With solutions like safe sedation dentistry, you can overcome those feelings of nervousness, discomfort, and fear so you can go to the dentist for the care you need and deserve.
The truth is, you aren’t alone. There are thousands of people out there who suffer from dental anxiety or phobia. Having a solution that offers you a stress-free way to get the dental care you need while also helping you stay calm and relaxed is a huge win. Learn more about safe sedation solutions below.
Sedation Dentistry: An Overview
Sedation uses various forms of medication to help a patient relax during their dental procedures. These medications can come in different forms and different strengths. The most common option, one you might have heard of, is laughing gas. Laughing gas, or nitrous oxide, administered during a visit will bring relaxation, calm, and possibly even some silliness or euphoria when used. It wears off quickly as well.
This is just one example of the options available. When you work with a provider who offers sedation, they can help you understand the choices and work to determine what may be best for your needs. Let’s look at the common types of sedation.
Types of Sedation Used in Dentistry
There is more than one method to be used. They all require some experience and monitoring, although the levels of sedation and the side effects will vary. No matter what, it is important that you use a qualified provider who understands the various options and can safely administer them for you.
These are the most common sedation options:
- Nitrous Oxide: a mild sedative known as laughing gas that is administered through a small mask placed over your nose. It works quickly and wears off fast when the mask is removed. Great for mild anxiety and quick procedure needs.
- Oral Sedation: a pill that is prescribed and typically taken approximately an hour before your procedure. The pill can be mild to moderate, but it is not always predictable and it will cause some drowsiness. You will need someone to drive you.
- IV Sedation: used for moderate to deep sedation needs, an IV is placed and sedation medication flows through the IV, providing total control and adjustment throughout your procedure. This is best for complex procedures and strong anxiety. You might be awake, but you won’t feel anything and you won’t be very aware.
How Do You Make Sedation Dentistry Safe?
Every type of medication comes with potential risks. Your dentist is going to go over these with you so you can make a fully informed decision. However, when administered and managed by a professional who is not only experienced but also trained and licensed with these materials, you are far less likely to have issues.
When sedation is used, it should always be done by a qualified professional. Dentists who offer sedation are required to undergo specialized training and adhere to very strict safety protocols as well. When sedation is used, you are monitored closely the entire time. Smith Dental Care utilizes a board certified anesthesiologist to perform and monitor the sedation so that our dentists can focus completely on restoring your smile.
Who Might Be a Candidate for Safe Sedation Dentistry?
There are many different scenarios in which sedation is a great option. Not only is it used for anxiety and phobia, but it can also be helpful for long and complex procedures or for someone with a strong gag reflex. These are some common instances in which it might be a valuable option:
- Strong gag reflex issues
- Trouble sitting still for long periods
- Low pain threshold
- Dental anxiety or phobia
- Multiple or complex procedures
- Special healthcare needs
- Past traumatic experiences
Speak to your provider about the options and whether you might be a candidate for sedation. They can help guide you through the options available.
Preparing for an Appointment with Sedation
If you are scheduled for a visit and know sedation will be used, there are some things you can do to prepare. It is critical to follow any instructions provided to you. These instructions are there for your safety and the procedure’s success. Here are some things you can do to properly prepare.
- Pre-Procedure Instructions: do what the provider says before your procedure, including avoiding food and drink, taking medication, etc.
- Get a Ride: if you are using anything other than nitrous oxide, you need to plan for a ride to and from your appointment.
- Be Comfortable: wear something loose and comfortable as it is much easier to relax and remain calm when you are comfortable.
- Discuss Concerns: make your provider aware of any medications you use as well as allergies and health conditions. If you have questions or concerns, be sure to voice them.
- Plan to Rest: no matter your procedure, give yourself time to rest and recover after your appointment, this will be important for recovery.
Safe Sedation Dentistry with Smith Dental Care
At Smith Dental Care, we are proud to offer a variety of sedation solutions to meet your needs. We have worked hard to create a welcoming and comfortable environment for every patient who enters our office. Our training and experience provides you with safe sedation solutions for every need.