A Quick Guide to Sedation Dentistry

Some people feel uncomfortable about going to the dentist. Some are so afraid of going into the dentist’s office that they have a hard time relaxing or sitting long enough to receive proper treatment.

If you’re one of those people who suffering from what’s referred to as dental phobia or dental anxiety, the dentist can suggest that you be sedated throughout the whole procedure.

The Different Types of Dental Sedation

• Nitrous oxide. Otherwise known as laughing gas, this is the most common form of sedation used by dentists. It is also used to alleviate pain in women when giving birth. This form of sedation doesn’t put you to sleep and is very effective in calming you down so that you can sit through a whole procedure. It’s also very safe and has little known side effects. Although often inhaled, nitrous oxide can be used along with local injections of anesthesia for better efficiency. 

• Oral sedation. In this type of sedation, you take a pill or liquid orally to help you relax throughout the whole procedure. This is also sometimes used in combination with nitrous oxide for better efficiency. Also, like nitrous oxide, you’ll still be awake after taking oral sedation, but you won’t be nervous about the dental work anymore.

• IV sedation. Intravenous sedation or IV sedation is another method of easing a patient’s anxiety. Although, in this case, instead of taking something orally or inhaling it, the sedative is injected directly into a vein. This results into a much deeper sedation, albeit you’ll still be awake throughout the whole procedure. Unlike oral sedation and nitrous oxide, the dentist will insist that you rest for a few hours and have somebody else drive you home after taking IV sedation for a dental procedure. 

• General Anesthesia. This is a form of sedation where you will be completely asleep for the entirety of the procedure. The sedation often uses a combination of drugs injected directly into the veins and inhaling anesthesia in gas form. After undergoing general anesthesia for a dental procedure, the dentist will insist that you rest inside the office before leaving and take a day off or two before going back to your daily routine.
  
  

Is Dental Sedation Safe?

Dental sedation is generally safe, as long as you prepare properly and are careful after the procedure. Although it is pretty normal to feel nauseous, confused or fussy after the procedure. In rare cases, sedation can cause loss of physical coordination, dizziness, sleepiness and nausea.

If any one of your dental procedures require any form of sedation, make sure that you communicate well with your dentist. Take notes about what you should do before, during and after the procedure and make sure that you follow your dentist’s advice. For example, if your dentist asks you to, bring along someone that can watch over you and drive you home safely after the procedure. Do not insist on going alone.

The aftereffects of dental sedation should go away after a few hours, or a day or two at home. However, if you experience severe pain, bleeding, fever or vomiting, make sure that you contact your dentist immediately.

If you are in need of sedation dentistry, contact Creative Dimensions Dentistry in Castro Valley, CA at 510-881-8010 to schedule an appointment today. 

Creative Dimensions Dentistry proudly serves Castro Valley, San Leandro, Hayward, Oakland, Fremont, Russell City and all surrounding areas.