All those jokes turn out to have a basis in reality after all. Dental anxiety is a real concern for many people, and can seriously affect their ability to undergo important and necessary dental procedures. From simple veneers to dental implants, sedation dentistry can take the fear and anxiety out of a visit to the dentist. There are different ways of administering the sedatives, from nitrous oxide to IV sedation. These can contribute to making your next dentist visit a much more relaxed affair.
What is sedation dentistry and who needs it?
Dental anxiety is a real fear and can prevent many people from undergoing treatments that may be necessary. From simple teeth whitening procedures to a complex root canal, sedation dentistry can make each visit a much more calm and relaxing affair. The visit and the procedure will be much more comfortable and relatively painless.
There are several different options when it comes to sedation dentistry, depending on the treatment as well as individual preferences. Oral sedatives, IV sedation, local anesthetic and nitrous oxide are some choices that are available. All sedatives are professionally administered and the patient is closely monitored throughout the treatment.
Oral sedation
This is simple and effective. Patients take a prescribed anti-anxiety medication about an hour before the treatment starts. They will arrive at the clinic calm and relaxed and ready for the procedure. Oral sedation has a number of advantages.
It is easy to administer and the dosage can be customized for each patient. It makes it easier for the patient to get numb, eliminating the anxiety and pain that people associate with dental treatment. The effects last through the entire treatment.
IV sedation
This is one of the most effective types of sedation and is used for more complicated or multiple procedures. For instance, in cases where surgical procedures are needed for TMJ treatment or sleep apnea, IV sedation may be used.
IV sedation delivers anesthesia directly to the bloodstream. This calms and numbs the patient and the treatment can be carried out with a minimum of discomfort. The patient remains awake however, and the effects of the anesthetic wear off after a few hours.
Disorders like TMJ and sleep apnea affect millions of people. Left untreated, they can be dangerous and lead to serious health and safety risks. Sedation dentistry makes it possible to carry out complicated dental treatments with a minimum of pain and discomfort for the patient.