The Four Most Effective Forms of Dental Sedation

Do you avoid necessary dental work because it causes your anxiety to spike? You should consider the benefits of dental sedation.

As the experts in sedation dentistry, Ocean Dentistry Co. offers a variety of options to put you at ease. We help you deal with dental anxiety so you can care for your oral, mental, and overall health.

What Is Dental Sedation?

Dental sedation deals with the administration of medicine that reduces your anxiety around dental procedures. Many people find the sound of the drill and the bright lights overwhelming, and anticipating the perceived pain that can come with procedures can make the situation even worse.

Obtaining dental work can maintain your quality of life, improve self-esteem, and lower your risk of other health problems like stroke and heart attack. Sedation allows more people to receive the dental work they need.

Dentist With Sedation Near Me: Four Effective Options

If you're searching "Dentist with sedation near me," you can choose from four different types of sedation, each with different benefits and sedative effects.

1. Nitrous Laughing Gas

Also known as laughing gas, nitrous is a mild form of dental sedation the doctor administers through an oxygen mask. It won't put you to sleep, but you'll feel a sense of relaxation and possibly euphoria. As one of the most common types of sedation, roughly 60% of dentists offer it, and the effects wear off quickly after the procedure.

The side effects of nitrous oxide can include:

• Mild to moderate dizziness that passes shortly after the procedure
• Rare nausea and vomiting, usually due to the dizziness
• Shivering even if you don't feel cold
• Fatigue which should pass after a good night's rest

The majority of patients find that laughing gas successfully reduces their anxiety with NO SIDE EFFECTS. And it offers an affordable solution for sedation. Your dentist can manage the post-operative effects by adjusting the dosage.

2. Oral Sedation

If you need a longer procedure, you should consider opting for oral sedation. With this method, you take a diazepam (Valium) pill to put your anxiety at ease. It takes about an hour to kick in and can maintain its effects for several hours. It doesn't require needles or oxygen masks, making it more accessible for patients with certain phobias.

If you use oral sedation, you may experience one of the following minor side effects:

• Drowsiness, which resolves about an hour after the procedure
• Dry mouth and trouble swallowing
• Slight headache, which abates with rest
• Nausea and vomiting in rare circumstances
• Confusion, disorientation, or lack of concentration
• Difficulty remembering details of the procedure

Your dentist will review your medical history before suggesting this method of sedation. They will suggest a person drive you home after the procedure to keep you and others safe while the drowsiness wears off.

3. IV Sedation

This form of dental sedation injects the drugs directly into your bloodstream for a higher level of relaxation. You'll need an anesthesiologist to monitor your vital signs and adjust the dosage as needed. You'll likely have little to no memory of the procedure but can still respond to your dentist's instructions during the procedure.

The effects of this type of sedation include:

• Slowed breathing
• Drowsiness or dizziness
• Upset stomach
• Headaches

Not everyone is a good candidate for this form of sedation, and your dentist will ask for your complete medical history.

4. General Anesthesia

General anesthesia leaves you fully unconscious. It's more expensive and the least common form of sedation dentistry and is usually reserved for long procedures in a hospital. The side effects of this form of sedation include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Heart rate or blood pressure effects
• Nausea and vomiting
• Allergic reactions
• Prolonged drowsiness and fatigue well after the procedure.

Schedule Your Appointment for Sedation Dentistry With Ocean Dentistry Co.

Are you interested in dental sedation so you can feel more at ease with dental work? At Ocean Dentistry Co., we provide nitrous laughing gas, oral sedation, and IV sedation to help make dental work less stressful. You'll also love our friendly and calming bedside manner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Consider the following answers to the topic's most common questions.

Are You Awake During Sedation Dentistry?

You are usually awake during sedation. However, some forms may put you to sleep.

Does Dental Sedation Cost More?

Dental sedation usually provides a more cost-effective solution than general anesthesia. If you need pain management during the procedure, you should consider sedation.

Will I Feel Any Pain With Sedation Dentistry?

You shouldn't feel any pain during sedation, though if you use the IV method, you may feel a small, fleeting prick. You may also feel some minor pain as you recover from the procedure.