Coral Gables Dentistry — Sedation Dentistry Options to Improve Your Dental Visit Experience

If dental anxiety prevents you from going to the dentist, it is time to consider sedation dentistry. Dentists have various options they can use to help patients relax during procedures. The option selected depends on your level of dental anxiety. Learn about your options and talk to a dentist to find out which level of sedation suits your specific needs.

Nitrous oxide

Nitrous oxide is commonly used in sedation dentistry. This is often referred to as laughing gas, and patients breathe it in through a small mask. This gas alleviates pain and helps people relax.

What to expect with nitrous oxide

People relax quickly when they breathe in nitrous oxide. Since the gas is also a pain reliever, many people report they do not even feel any anesthetic shots being administered when inhaling this gas.

The effects wear off quickly, so people can drive themselves home after taking nitrous oxide. The dentist will have the patient sit in the chair for several minutes until the effects completely wear off, and then, the patient will be allowed to drive home.

Oral sedation

Some patients feel a great deal of anxiety leading up to a dental procedure. They might start getting nervous the day before and feel extremely anxious in the hours prior to the procedure. These patients might be good candidates for oral sedation.

Patients take a sedative in pill or liquid form prior to the treatment. Those who are interested in this option need to talk to their dentist beforehand to get a prescription for the sedative.

How oral sedation works

The dentist will go over the patient's level of anxiety prior to the procedure. The dentist might prescribe a sedative for the night before if the patient is extremely nervous. Then the patient will take a second sedative approximately an hour before the procedure.

The oral sedative relaxes patients, but they can still respond to commands. However, people are not allowed to drive when they take oral sedatives.

IV sedation

People who have severe dental anxiety might be candidates for intravenous (IV) sedation. During this process, the dentist injects medication through an IV.

Types of IV sedation

Dentists use two forms of IV sedation. Many patients choose twilight sedation — while patients are still technically conscious, they are not aware of their surroundings. Many do not recall the procedure when it is over.

The second is general anesthesia. Those who undergo this type of sedation are completely unconscious. This is not a common form of sedation dentistry.

Patients cannot drive home after IV sedation.

Stay calm at the dentist's office

You can still go to the dentist, even if you have dental anxiety. Sedation dentistry takes the stress out of the process, allowing you to relax while getting dental work done.

Ask your dentist about nitrous oxide, oral sedation and IV sedation. Your dentist will discuss your needs with you and help you choose the sedation option that is right for you.

Are you considering sedation dentistry in the Coral Gables area? Get more information at https://www.gablesexceptionaldentistry.com.

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