Helping Dental Anxiety With Sedation Dentistry

Most people avoid visiting the dentist due to the fear and anxiety they’ve come to associate with it. If you’re one of them, there is a solution to help you relax for dental sessions—sedation dentistry. It can help you maintain oral and dental health by allowing you to sit on the dental chair without fear.

Dental services such as cleaning and exams are essential for oral and dental health. They help address issues that affect your overall health if left untreated. Read on to learn more about how sedation dentistry helps with dental anxiety.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is the practice of administering sedatives to dental patients so they can relax and stay calm during treatment. It is effective and safe for dealing with fears and anxiety during dental treatment.

Types of Sedation Used by Dentists

• Nitrous oxide – Helps relax patients during dental treatment. You inhale the gas through a mask fitted over the nose. You will remain conscious but calm and relaxed throughout the procedure.
   

• IV sedation – Your dental specialist will administer a sedative drug directly into your bloodstream to take off quickly. Patients who fear dentists, struggle to sit on the dentist’s chair for long, or need extensive treatment generally get this type of sedation.
   

• Oral sedation – Your dentist will ask you to take this type of sedation one hour before the dental appointment. It helps you relax before the appointment by reducing discomfort and anxiety during the procedure. You will remain conscious throughout the treatment.
   

• General anesthesia – This sedation causes the patient to be completely asleep during the procedure. Your dentist can administer it by injecting it through your hand or arm. You can also inhale it from a breathing mask.

When Can a Dental Professional Use Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry gives peace of mind to patients who are anxious and fearful about dental treatment. You may need it if you have the following characteristics:

 

• Difficulty getting numb
   

• Dental visits make you nervous
   

• A sensitive gag response
   

• Low tolerance to pain
   

• You fear dentists

Individuals with busy lives may also enjoy sedation dentistry as it allows them to get several procedures in one dental appointment.

How Sedation Dentistry Helps Individuals With Minor Anxiety

Dentists often use nitrous oxide for most of their patients. They regulate it to give you the amount you need. They release it before administering local anesthetic. You will experience no pain throughout the procedure.

You can drive yourself to the dental clinic for the appointment if you settle for nitrous oxide. The sedation wears off fast, allowing you to drive back home. You can also use a pill or liquid sedative if you have moderate anxiety.

You will have to take the tablet before the procedure. It helps with relieving anxiety building before your treatment. However, your dentist will advise you to have someone drive you to your dental appointment.

How Sedation Dentistry Helps Individuals With Major Anxiety

You may need to talk to your dentist about general anesthesia or deep sedation if the dental treatment causes extreme anxiety and stress. Such techniques will leave you unconscious or barely conscious during your treatment or procedure. There will be no pain or discomfort.

For more about dental anxiety, visit Clarity Dental Center for Implant and Family Dentistry in Federal Way, Washington. Call (253) 799-1490 to book an appointment today.