When you make an appointment to have a dental procedure or examination, you may not have considered sedation techniques. However, dentists have to consider the comfort and safety of their patients, so most practice dental sedation techniques. If you are going to have a dental procedure or you have extreme anxiety about visiting the dentist, here is some information about dental sedation and when it is used.
Light Oral Sedation
If you have anxiety about visiting the dentist and you talk to your dental practitioner, you may be offered light oral sedation. Light oral sedation usually consists of anti-anxiety short-term medications, such as Valium or Xanax. If you are going under light oral sedation, our dentist will prescribe you one or two anti-anxiety pills to take an hour before your appointment. This will relax you and allow you to be more comfortable during the procedure. If you undergo light oral sedation, you can drive yourself home after the procedure.
Nitrous Oxide
Another technique dentists use to allow patients to return to work, school, or drive home is nitrous oxide. Like light oral sedation, nitrous oxide allows patients to relax for a dental procedure by inhaling gas through a mask. Some people even fall asleep during dental procedures using nitrous oxide! Nitrous quickly wears off, so you will feel like yourself before you leave the dental office.
IV Sedation
If you need to have heavier sedation, you may need IV sedation. Under IV sedation, you will actually be asleep during the entire procedure, which is a great idea for people who are having an intensive procedure or who suffer from extreme anxiety. If you need IV sedation, a dental assistant will insert an IV into your arm and make sure you are asleep before the procedure starts. You cannot drive yourself home after IV sedation because the effects of IV sedation take a while to wear off completely.
Are you unsure which type of sedation is right for you? We can help. Why not reach out to us today for an appointment with one of our dentists? If you are concerned you may need sedation, let us know so we can talk to our dentist before you come in.
When you make an appointment to have a dental procedure or examination, you may not have considered sedation techniques. However, dentists have to consider the comfort and safety of their patients, so most practice dental sedation techniques. If you are going to have a dental procedure or you have extreme anxiety about visiting the dentist, here is some information about dental sedation and when it is used.