"I can endure my toothache, but going to a dentist and sitting on that chair, gives me goosebumps. Ugh!"
How often have you heard people say this? Probably many times. But are dentists really that scary? Or, is there something wrong with the dentist's chair? Let's find out!
Why Does Visiting A Dentist Feel Scary?
People can have a fear of heights, water, or even a visit to the dentist's office. Though it sounds like an exaggeration, some even skip their full mouth reconstruction, fearful of the treatment. Some even shiver at the thought of teeth cleaning. They prefer to endure the pain rather than step into the dentist's office. But is avoiding dental treatment a good idea? Absolutely not! It's time to overcome your fears of dental treatment and stop jeopardizing your oral health.
But how?
Medical science has solutions for ample things. To perform oral treatment on patients who are extremely phobic of dental treatments, 'Sedation Dentistry' is used. It helps reduce anxiety in patients who avoid their dentists like the plague. Sedation can be effective in mostly all dental procedures, from tooth extraction to simple cleaning.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is a method used to calm patients during a dental procedure. Dentists use medications for this purpose. Using techniques and administering medications depends on the patient's severity of the fear. However, patients awake after sedation except those under general anesthesia. The level of sedation varies as per the following:
Minimal Sedation– The patient is awake but relaxed.
Moderate Sedation– The patient is conscious but does not remember the procedure.
Deep Sedation– The patient is almost unconscious but can be awakened.
General Anaesthesia– The patient is completely unconscious.
What Kinds Of Sedation Do Dentists Use?
Sedation dentistry involves the use of different types of sedation, such as:
Minimal Sedation through Inhalation
Here, you(Patient) inhale nitrous oxide(commonly known as laughing gas) with an oxygen mask. The combination of this gas helps you relax. Dentists control the amount of gas you receive, and the effect usually wears off quickly. It is the only procedure after which your dentist may allow you to drive home yourself.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation varies from minimal to moderate as per the total dose. You may have to take Halcion(pill) an hour before your dental procedure for minimal sedation. It can make you a little drowsy or sleepy, but a gentle shake can awaken you. It's commonly used anesthesia for sedation purposes.
IV Sedation
The drug is administered into your vein for quick action in this sedation method. Here, the dentist adjusts the level of sedation continually as per requirements.
Deep Sedation
Under general anesthesia, you may fall completely or partially asleep. The effects are strong and require either a medication to reverse its impact or let the anesthesia wear off itself.
*** Patients receive local anesthesia to numb the site where the dentist will work. It relieves the pain or discomfort that a dental procedure may cause.
Can All Patients Receive Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation is mainly used for patients who are phobic of dental procedures. However, sedation dentistry may also be appropriate if–
You've got a low pain threshold.
You continuously move while in the dentist's chair.
You have sensitive teeth.
You require a lengthy dental procedure or treatment.
*** In addition to the above cases, sedation is also used for children afraid of going to the dentist's office. Nitrous oxide is primarily used in such cases as it is safe and can be administered quickly.
Can all Dentists Perform Sedation?
The answer will vary on the type of sedation in question. While most dentists can easily administer minimal sedation(like nitrous oxide or pills), very few can safely administer general anesthesia. The case with moderate sedation fairs better in comparison to deep sedation. The number of dentists who can administer moderate sedation has increased, whereas deep sedation requires special training and certification from the regulatory bodies.
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
Anesthesia is safe when given by an experienced dentist to a medically fit patient. In other words, your dentist will check if your body can handle the dose of anesthesia or not. For example, patients who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea or obesity tend to develop complications after anesthesia which should be avoided. Plus, your dentist should be experienced enough to administer the anesthesia he prefers for you.
To avoid any foul play, you can do the following things:
Check if your dentist goes through your medical history and see if anesthesia is appropriate for you
Check if the dose of anesthesia fits under the recommended dose by medical bodies like FDA.
Always go to an experienced dentist, as they know better about the procedures.
Ask your dentist about the details of the procedure and clear your doubts if you have any.
Finally!
Sedation dentistry is appropriate in most cases and as your dentist recommends. If you or someone you know finds dental procedures scary and keeps skipping dental implants, google dental implants near me now! And click on Valley Creek's website. We will take complete care of your dental needs.