By: Alicia Brian - researched from Desert Family Dental
For any dental and medical issues, potential complications can be avoided the sooner you get attention for the problem and the sooner you will get relief. It is therefore advisable to visit your doctor or dentist and talk about your condition. Most people however have developed irrational fear of dentists. And for this reason, getting the appropriate treatment would be difficult. This is where sedation dentistry comes in.
Why Professionals Recommend Sedation Dentistry
There are no more reasons to avoid dental clinics this time. Sedation dentistry will help you sit on your dentist's chair comfortably as you go through dental treatments. Now you can overcome your fear of dentist and get relief from the dental issues you are facing. For your children who are terrified of dentists, take advantage of sedation dentistry.
Sedation dentistry can benefit other types of patients aside from those who have a fear of dentists. If you have a low pain threshold or have a bad gag reflex, this is for you. It is also recommended if you need numerous dental works completed in one sitting.
How It Works
Sedation or sleep dentistry entails the use of medication. This is to help patients relax while undergoing dental treatment. Patients who opt for sedation dentistry are awake, except for those on general anesthesia.
Levels Of Sedation
Typically, dentists use nitrous oxide as well as oral sedatives. Note that there are several levels of sedation - minimal sedation, moderate sedation, deep sedation, and in general anesthesia.
- Minimal sedation – the goal here is to simply make you more relaxed. Nitrous oxide, popularly known as laughing gas or oral sedation is used for minimal sedation. The main benefit of using nitrous oxide is that it wears off quickly. You can drive home safely afterwards.
- Moderate sedation – you will have some difficulty speaking and remembering things here. Dentist will give you oral sedation or an IV drug administered through your veins in this level of sedation.
- Deep sedation – on this level, you hover between consciousness and unconsciousness.
- General anesthesia – you are unconscious during the dental treatment. Dentist may use local anesthetics.
When performed by a trained and experienced professional, sedation dentistry is safe. Before undergoing sedation dentistry, you need to first consult your doctor especially if you are overweight or suffering from sleep apnea. This is to avoid potential complications.
To check whether sedation dentistry is appropriate for you, dentists providing sedation dentistry in Mesa will discuss your medical history with you prior to the treatment. More at http://www.desertfamilydental.com/dental-services/general-family-dentistry/sedation-dentistry/
