3 Types Of Dental Sedation
If you have an extreme fear of the dentist and you are facing a complex dental procedure, you may want to consider sedation. This will allow you to feel more at ease when getting the dental work completed. Knowing the types of dental sedation that are available to you can help you make the right choice.
What is sedation dentistry?
The use of mediation or anesthesia to help put you to sleep or simply be relaxed when you are getting a complex dental procedure completed. Your dentist will decide which type of sedation -`is best for your individual situation.
It's important to understand that sedation is not a painkiller and only works to help you feel more relaxed. You will require the use of anesthesia to numb the area where the dental work is being completed, as well.
Oral sedation
One of the commonly prescribed types of sedation is referred to as oral sedation. Your dentist will give you a pill that will provide the right amount of relaxation for you.
Listed below are common types of medications that are given:
- Halcion – This is frequently used to help you feel relaxed when having a medical procedure completed. It's likely you won't remember the visit once it is over.
- Valium – This medication is often prescribed to help you relax. You should take this medicine 30 minutes before your procedure, and it is typically prescribed in 5–10 mg doses.
- Ativan – This can help you feel relaxed and may make you drowsy during your dental visit, but you will remain conscious.
Laughing gas
The use of nitrous oxide is commonly prescribed to help you deal with dental anxiety. This is also referred to as laughing gas and works you to feel at ease when getting any dental procedure completed. You will be awake while in the dental chair, but you will feel calm.
Intravenous sedation
This method allows the sedation to be released through an IV, allowing it to work quicker. The amount of medication you are given will determine if you are only relaxed or able to fall asleep.
You can get any dental work completed that you need with the right amount of sedation to assist you. Be sure to discuss your options with your local dentist to allow you to have any questions answered that you may have about this process. If you are looking for a dentist, visit James J. Susack, DMD, PC.