Say Goodbye to Dental Anxiety with Sedation Dentistry
Dental anxiety is a common problem that affects millions of people worldwide. Fortunately, at Today’s Dentistry, our Ashland, OR dentist, Dr. James Burneson offers sedation dentistry as a safe and effective solution for those who experience dental phobia or require extensive dental work. This form of dentistry involves the use of medication to help patients relax during dental procedures.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is a form of dental treatment that involves the use of medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. The medication can be administered in various ways, including inhalation, oral, and intravenous (IV) methods. The goal of sedation dentistry is to help patients feel more comfortable and at ease during their dental treatment.
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry offers several benefits for patients, including:
- Reduced Anxiety: Sedation dentistry helps to reduce dental anxiety and phobia, which can make it easier for patients to receive dental treatment.
- Increased Comfort: Patients who undergo sedation dentistry are more comfortable during dental procedures and experience less pain.
- Improved Treatment Efficiency: When patients are relaxed and comfortable, dental procedures can be completed more efficiently, reducing the time required for treatment.
- Increased Safety: Sedation dentistry is a safe and effective way to manage pain and anxiety during dental procedures.
Sedation Options
There are several different types of sedation available for dental procedures, including oral sedation, inhaled sedation (laughing gas), and intravenous (IV) sedation. The type of sedation that is used will depend on the patient’s needs, the type of procedure being performed, and the patient’s overall health and medical history.
Oral sedation – Oral sedation involves taking a pill before the appointment to help the patient relax.The level of sedation can range from mild to moderate, and the patient remains awake and responsive, but may have a decreased awareness of their surroundings.
Inhaled sedation – Inhaled sedation, or laughing gas, is a mild form of sedation that is delivered through a mask placed over the patient’s nose. This type of sedation has a rapid onset and can provide a feeling of relaxation, reducing anxiety and discomfort during the procedure. The patient remains conscious and able to respond to commands, but may feel lightheaded or detached from their surroundings.
IV sedation – IV sedation is a deeper form of sedation that is delivered directly into the bloodstream through an IV. This type of sedation provides the deepest level of relaxation and is usually used for more complex or lengthy procedures. The medication is carefully controlled by a healthcare professional to ensure the desired level of sedation is achieved, which can range from mild to moderate.
Reasons to Receive Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry is used for several reasons, including:
Dental anxiety: Many people experience anxiety or fear when it comes to dental procedures. Sedation dentistry helps to calm and relax these patients, making it easier for them to receive the dental care they need.
Complex procedures: For patients who need to have multiple procedures done in one appointment, or for those who need a lengthy procedure, sedation dentistry can help to make the experience more comfortable and less stressful.
Gag reflex: Some patients have a strong gag reflex, making it difficult for the dentist to perform certain procedures. Sedation dentistry can help to relax these patients and reduce their gag reflexes.
Sensitive mouth: Patients who have a sensitive mouth or are easily discomforted by dental procedures may benefit from sedation dentistry.
Traumatic dental experiences: For patients who have had negative experiences at the dentist in the past, sedation dentistry can help to calm and relax them, making it easier for them to receive the care they need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, sedation dentistry is a safe and effective way to manage pain and anxiety during dental procedures. The medications used for sedation dentistry are carefully monitored and administered by trained dental professionals.
Patients who undergo sedation dentistry should not drive or operate heavy machinery for at least 24 hours following the procedure. It is recommended that patients arrange for a responsible adult to accompany them home and stay with them until the effects of the sedation wear off.
It is important to follow the specific instructions given by your dentist regarding eating and drinking before the procedure. In general, patients should avoid eating or drinking anything for several hours prior to the procedure to prevent nausea or other complications. However, your dentist may provide specific guidelines based on your individual needs and the type of sedation being used.
Schedule an Appointment With Dr. Burneson
At Today’s Dentistry in Ashland, OR, we offer sedation dentistry that is a safe and effective way to alleviate dental anxiety and provide patients with a comfortable and stress-free dental experience. Our highly trained dentist is experienced in administering sedation and ensuring patient safety. By offering sedation dentistry, Today’s Dentistry is able to help patients receive the dental care they need without fear or discomfort. Schedule a consultation today by giving us a call at (541) 482-7771 or by filling out our online form.