Experience The Relaxing Benefits Of Sedation Dentistry At Your Next Dental Visit

If you are afraid of going to the dentist, it is important to understand that there

are ways to put an end to your dental anxiety so that your dental care experience is more tolerable. While not everyone enjoys going to the dentist, some people often experience such fear that they avoid getting the dental care they need. In 2009, nearly half of the adults skipped out on the dentist, which does not amount to healthy smiles. Dental anxiety is common, with up to 15 percent of Americans actually avoiding the dentist due to their fear. With the help of sedation dentistry, you can visit your dentist without the fear you might have previously experienced. Through nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation and intravenous (IV) sedation, there is a modality available to help you feel more calm and comfortable at your next appointment.

Nitrous Oxide

Commonly referred to as "laughing gas," nitrous oxide is a gas that you can breathe in. It has no color, smell, and doesn't irritate you. Nitrous oxide is a safe and effective sedative agent that is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a small mask that fits over your nose to help you relax. This type of sedation is not intended to make you sleep, but it is used to help you relax. With nitrous oxide you will be able to hear and respond to any requests or directions your dentist might have. When administering nitrous oxide, your dentist will ask you to breathe normally through your nose, and within a few short minutes you will begin to feel the effects. Once the mask is removed, the effects of nitrous oxide will wear off.

Oral Conscious Sedation

Depending greatly on the total dose given, oral sedation can range from minimal to moderate. For minimal sedation, you simply take a pill prior to your dental appointment. Typically, the pill you take is a member of the same drug family as Valium, and is usually taken about an hour before the procedure. This pill will make you drowsy, although you will still be awake. A larger dose may be given to produce moderate sedation for larger procedures. Oral sedation is the type of sedation that is commonly associated with sedation dentistry. Some people may become groggy enough to actually fall asleep during their procedure, but they can be easily woken up with a gently shake if needed.

Intravenous (IV) Sedation

Intravenous (IV) sedation is a sedative medication that is administered through the veins. Due to its rapid effects, many patients prefer this relaxation option to any other. Just like the other forms of sedation dentistry, IV sedation is designed to help you relax during treatment so that you can be comfortable. Although you may lie back in the dental chair with your eyes closed, you will not be asleep during your dental appointment and will still be able to respond to verbal cues from your dentist. Since you are completely relaxed, your dentist will be able to accomplish more high-quality dentistry in less time than if you were not receiving sedation. Additionally, if you have a bad gag reflux, or difficulty sitting in a dental chair for long periods of time, IV sedation will help you with this as well. Through IV sedation you will be so relaxed that you will be unaware of the sights, smells, and sounds of the dental office. You may also remember little to nothing of your appointment by the next day.

Talk to your dentist in Maple Grove for more information on sedation dentistry and how it can help calm your fears at your next appointment.

by: Gen Wright

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