Dental phobia or fear of dental treatment is one of the most notable causes that demotivate Americans from visiting a dental practice. Though local anesthesia helps in making a dental treatment painless, there are many patients who are anxious and are in discomfort when seated in dentist’s chair. This discomfort of patients can distract the dentist from offering effective treatment. A number of sleep medicines or sedatives are available to help counter anxiety in patients. At our Colton, CA office, our dentists make effective use of sedation dentistry and make sure that the treatment is effective in curing the dental problem of patients. If you want to visit our dentist but have anxiety concerns, make an appointment with our dental professionals and express your problems. We have a number of sedation methods to suit your needs.
Sedation dentistry – The need and different types
Sedation dentistry may be needed when the patient is anxious, uncomfortable and for patients with special needs. A dental office should have the certain supporting equipment and should be licensed to offer certain higher degrees of sedatives. The process of sedation ensures that patients are completely relaxed and the dentist can focus on the treatment completely. Equipment to support respiration, monitor pulse rate, hypertension and breathing are required for all levels of sedation namely mild, moderate and deep sedation.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide also called laughing gas, is used as an inhalation sedative. The gas has the property of giving a euphoric feel when inhaled with oxygen. The patient is completely conscious and can respond to verbal commands when inhaling nitrous oxide. This gas is used when patients are not very anxious but has slight discomfort with the dental procedure.
Oral sedative
An oral sedative is advised for a complex dental procedure. Patients should follow a diet recommended by the dentist the night before the treatment. They should be escorted to the office and taken back home by a caretaker. Patients should not operate machinery or involve in activities that require their attention for about 6-8 hours after the treatment. Over-the-counter pills are available on dentists’ prescription.
IV sedation
Intravenous sedation involves administering sedatives to the blood stream of patients. The process is very effective in letting the patients relax during the treatment. Moderate to deep sedation can be achieved through this process based on the amount of sedative administered which can be controlled during the process. The sedation is quickly reversible and recovery time is less. Dentists monitor respiration, pulse rate, and hypertension during sedation procedures. Supporting equipment for respiration may be required for some patients when under moderate and deep sedation.