Different Methods of Sedation Dentistry to Ease Dental Anxiety
If you ever experience anxiety or uneasiness about dental appointments, then know that sedation dentistry can make them anxiety-free! A lot of people experience anxiety about going to the dentist for an appointment. But, as dentistry has significantly progressed, those appointments can now be more accommodating.
Being aware of how sedation dentistry can help calm nerves and reduce anxiety can be helpful for those who are uneasy about an upcoming appointment. Read more in this article as we go over how this option can provide an anxiety-free dental appointment.
Sedation dentistry
Sedation dentistry is a method of dentistry that may involve medication being administered in order to help the patient relax during their appointment. There are a few different methods of sedation dentistry that exist. Patients can work with their dentists to determine which method might be best for them.
Laughing gas
One method of oral sedation that patients can opt for is that of laughing gas. This is a method of minimal sedation. But, it does do enough to help reduce anxiety during the dental appointment.
Laughing gas is just nitrous oxide which is inhaled through a mask. The patient should be relaxed enough to have an anxiety-free appointment without the heavy grogginess afterward. Laughing gas can be used for any type of dental appointment because it is not too heavy. Also, the effects do not tend to linger for long.
Medications
Some oral sedation methods, such as medications, are used in sedation dentistry for more serious procedures or for patients who have higher amounts of anxiety. These medications are typically administered an hour or so before the appointment. This is in order to give it time to take effect.
When medications are used in sedation dentistry, it can really provide a relaxing environment for the patient. Medications may make the patient fall asleep which would provide an anxiety-free appointment. However, these medications do tend to have lingering effects.
General anesthesia
Another common way that people can relax is through the use of general anesthesia. But this method is typically only given for serious or invasive procedures. Patients that have extreme anxiety can talk with their dentists about being put under general anesthesia for procedures that really scare them.
With general anesthesia, the patient becomes unconscious. This is so dental work can be done while they are not aware of their surroundings. Being put under general anesthesia can allow for the most anxiety-free type of dental appointment. This is because the patient is unconscious and is not able to experience those fears or uneasiness.
Talk to a dental sedation specialist today
While sedation dentistry is pretty straight forward, it is important to remember that everyone is different. Talking with a dentist who specializes in sedation dentistry can be helpful. This is because they can help you determine what type of sedation is best for you.
Give us a call or stop by today so that we can help you further! We can help you manage your anxiety through the use of sedation dentistry.
Request an appointment here: https://santarosaendodontics.com or call Santa Rosa Endodontics at (707) 706-2143 for an appointment in our Santa Rosa office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Sedation Dentist in Santa Rosa, CA.
Recent Posts
Regardless of the severity, a cracked tooth requires immediate professional treatment. While minor cracks may only need treatment options like dental bonding, tooth extraction is necessary for severely damaged teeth. However, an endodontist can consider various options that other professionals may not offer. An endodontist usually treats cracked teeth that are too damaged for minor…
When you have an infected or severely damaged tooth, a tooth extraction may seem the only option. However, endodontic therapy offers an alternative. It allows you to save your natural tooth and preserve your smile, avoiding the need for future tooth replacement. This procedure, commonly known as a root canal, is designed to remove infection,…
In many cases, root canal recovery is even simpler than the procedure itself. Patients who are nervous about their upcoming procedure have nothing to fear, as they will be able to return to their normal lives afterward. A root canal is an essential procedure that entails saving a patient’s tooth and keeping it functional over…
When dental patients are in need of a root canal, they may be referred to an endodontist for the procedure. Most patients receive this treatment in a timely manner, usually within a week or two of the last visit. However, there are situations where root canal treatment is more pressing and should be completed as…