Sedation Dentistry
June 28th, 2011 by wordpress
If you have been putting off going to the dentist because the thought of sitting still in a chair while someone pokes around in your mouth terrifies you, then you may be interested in learning more about sedation dentistry. With sedation dentistry, you can get through the procedure while you are in a state of sleepiness and relaxation,, and wake up afterwards with the dental work you needed already complete.
How Sedation Dentistry Works
There are three different methods of sedation dentistry available, and you can speak to your dentist to find out which would work the best for you. The first method is an IV sedation, which also goes by the name Deep Conscious Sedation. With this method, medication is released into the blood stream through the use of an IV tube. Dentists who practice IV sedation must have first completed extensive training to receive certification by their state’s Board of Dentistry.
With oral sedation, you would be given a pill which would help you to immediately relax and possibly to fall asleep. You would retain normal breathing and all control of your bodily functions. You may experience confusion or brief memory loss when you first come off a sedation pill, but that is to be expected and you should feel like your normal self again shortly.
Inhalation sedation or “laughing” gas is the most common type of dental sedation used and has been in existence for the longest period of time. You simply breathe in the fumes until you get to the point of relaxation and sleepiness.
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Sedation Dentistry
Many patients wonder if they actually fall asleep when dental sedation is used during their appointment. While individual results vary, most people do fall asleep, although they retain the ability to verbally respond when being spoken to.
People who are already apprehensive about going to the dentist may worry about the safety of the various sedation types used. All have been tested and proven to be safe before dentists were allowed to use them, so all you have to do is relax and let your dentist do the work.
