If you are afraid of going to the dentist, dental sedation may be an option to help make the experience more bearable. Our Cloverdale Crossing Dental Group dentists talk about dental sedation and how it feels today.
What is dental sedation?
Dental sedation uses medication, usually taken orally or inhaled, to help patients relax during dental appointments. There are normally two different types of sedation: oral and nitrous oxide. At Cloverdale Crossing Dental Group, we offer oral sedation.
Patients who are extremely nervous about dental procedures, require complex treatment, or have a severe gag reflex may benefit from sedation. Before recommending sedation, your dentist will review your medical history to ensure that you are healthy enough to be sedated.
What is nitrous oxide sedation?
We feel it is still important you know about each type of sedation. Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a gas that is inhaled. Nitrous oxide is given to you via a small mask that fits over your nose. During your appointment, the level of sedation can be adjusted to ensure that you are comfortable at all times. Nitrous oxide is extremely safe because it quickly enters and exits the body.
What is oral sedation?
Oral sedatives are available in liquid or pill form. These medications can be taken the night before an appointment to aid sleep and/or one hour before an appointment to aid relaxation before and during treatment.
How does it feel to be under sedation?
Dental sedation is used to try and alleviate anxiety and pain during dental procedures. Although you will feel sleepy, you will remain fully conscious throughout your treatment, able to communicate with your dentist and respond to instructions. If you do fall asleep, a gentle shake should easily wake you up.
Oral conscious sedation patients usually have little recollection of the procedure. Many patients report having a conscious dream after being sedated with oral sedation. When compared to general anesthesia, oral sedation allows for a faster recovery.
Both adults and children can benefit from nitrous oxide sedation because it relaxes and calms them. You may even experience euphoria as a result of it. You will be awake and able to communicate, and time will appear to pass quickly.
Our team will monitor you during your treatment to ensure your safety at all times.
Can I drive myself home after having dental sedation?
It is recommended that you have a trusted friend or family member drive you to and from your sedation appointment. While the effects of laughing gas fade quickly, you may still be drowsy enough to be incapable of driving. Because oral sedation can take several hours to leave your system, you should carefully follow your dentist's instructions regarding when you can resume driving.
Don't let dental apprehension or anxiety keep you from getting the care you need. Our dentists can help you decide whether to use nitrous oxide (in which case we may need to refer you) or oral sedation for your procedure by determining whether you are a candidate for dental sedation. Just come in mind that oral sedation has normally the same effect as nitrous oxide.
Don't let dental anxiety stop you from getting the care you need. Contact Cloverdale Crossing Dental Group today to discuss our dental sedation options.
