Does the mere thought of visiting a dentist frighten you? Would you rather bear the agony of excruciating toothache than visit a dental clinic? You are not alone! Many have a hidden fear about visiting a dentist! But oral care and health are crucial. Avoiding the deserved oral care can only worsen your troubles. Scientific evolution has helped millions overcome this fear with the help of sedation dentistry.
Sedation offered in the dental practice in Fresno, CA, can help you cope with dental fear and anxiety during simple to invasive procedures for a smooth process without any hassles.
What is dental sedation?
Dental sedation, or twilight sleep or conscious sedation, is a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on relieving stress and pain during dental procedures through special medications. It helps you stay calm and relaxed so that the dentist can perform dental treatments with ease. Technically, you will stay awake during the procedures but in a relaxed state. It creates short-term amnesia (forgetfulness), where you will experience insensitivity to pain without the loss of consciousness.
Why use sedation in dentistry?
Dentists often recommend sedation during dental procedures if you suffer from:
- Anxiety and stress
- A fear of visiting the dentist
- Increased gag reflex
- Extreme tooth sensitivity
- Feeling of claustrophobia
- Decreased sensitivity to local anesthesia
- Difficulty controlling movements
- Special needs patients (people with behavioral, cognitive, or physical disability)
What are the types of sedatives used?
The most common types of sedatives used in dentistry include the following:
Nitrous oxide
This is commonly known as laughing gas, which is inhaled through a mask. It leads to calming effects within 3 to 5 minutes of inhalation. Once the procedure is over, your dentist will administer pure oxygen to flush out the nitrous oxide.
Oral conscious sedation
This method involves oral administration of sedative pills about an hour before the procedure. It may make you feel groggy, and recovery may not be as quick as nitrous oxide sedation.
Intravenous (IV) sedation
This is the deepest form of sedation, where the medication is administered directly into your bloodstream through an IV line. You may fall asleep and have little to no memory of the treatment when you wake up.
Bottom-line
Dental fear and anxiety are real, but they should not be the cause of avoiding dental visits. Talk to your dentist and discuss alternative solutions, like using sedatives. Because avoiding oral care and wellness will do more harm than good!
