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.