What is sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is an approach to dental care that focuses on providing a relaxing experience for the patient. Sedation dentistry is a great option if you are anxious about an upcoming dental procedure.

Types of sedation dentistry

There are three types of sedation dentistry:

Oral sedation is medication that you take by mouth before your appointment. Oral sedation produces a relaxed, calm, and drowsy feeling.

Nitrous oxide, sometimes called laughing gas, is administered through a mask and produces a calming, relaxed feeling.

IV sedation is administered through an IV and produces a deeply relaxed, sleepy feeling.

Benefits and risks of sedation dentistry

There are many benefits and risks to sedation dentistry. Undergoing sedation can be a relaxing experience, allowing patients to remain calm in the dental chair. However, sedation dentistry also presents some potential risks.

Is sedation dentistry right for you?

Sedation dentistry is a great option for patients who have dental anxiety or special needs. For anyone with paralyzing dental anxiety, sedation dentistry is the only way you’ll be able to receive the care you need. For patients who have difficulty sitting still for long periods of time, sedation dentistry can minimize that feeling.

Sedation dentistry FAQs

Is sedation dentistry safe?

Sedation dentistry is safe when it is performed by an experienced, skilled professional. Dr. Clark uses sedation dentistry to help patients feel calm and relaxed during their dental treatment. Some patients feel they prefer sedation dentistry over traditional methods, and sedation dentistry may even be covered by your dental insurance plan.

Is sedation dentistry safe?

Sedation dentistry is perfectly safe. Dr. Smith only uses modern, state-of-the-art sedation dentistry solutions. For oral conscious sedation, Dr. Smith uses medication that is usually taken about an hour before your appointment. You’ll feel drowsy and will have no memory of your dental appointment. With nitrous oxide sedation, you’ll breathe in a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide, which is a mild sedative. You’ll feel calm, relaxed, and at ease throughout your dental appointment.

Is sedation dentistry safe for children?

Yes, sedation dentistry is safe for children! Children can benefit from sedation dentistry in the same way adults can. Both nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation options can effectively help your child relax during their dental appointment and receive the dental care they need.

Some children, especially younger ones, may not ever have experienced dental care before. As a result, their fear of the dental office could be so strong that they simply refuse to go. Unfortunately, this can lead to serious dental problems down the road that could have been avoided. Instead, children can benefit from sedation dentistry to help them relax during their appointment.

Is

Sedation dentistry makes going to the dentist easier because it relaxes you so you aren’t as anxious. It also allows you to have a longer appointment so you can get more of the dental work completed at once.

Sedatives can be given orally, intravenously, or topically. Oral sedatives can include pills and liquids. The pills are usually taken one hour before your appointment. Oral sedatives can make you very groggy and may give you a headache.