Sedation dentistry is a set of sedation practices done in a dental practice to provide oral care to patients who have an extreme fear of the dentist or anything associated with dentistry. The severe fear of the dentist or dental anxiety affects 22% of our population. It is one of the leading barriers that prevent patients from receiving oral care.
What is sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is a procedure that helps patients relax during dental treatment with the use of sedatives. It is prescribed to patients with extreme fear of the dentist and those with complex dental conditions. The level of sedation given to patients depends on several factors such as:
- Age and weight
- Dental condition
- Level of anxiety
- The complexity of the dental treatment
Levels of dental sedation
The sedation methods prescribed to you by your dentist will determine if you will be awake or ‘sleeping’ during your dental treatment. These levels are as follows:
- Nitrous oxide or Inhalation sedation is a sedation method that helps patients relax during dental treatment while staying awake. The patient will inhale the sedative through a mask placed on your nose.
The sedation for this technique wears off faster than other sedation methods. Thus, making it appropriate for kids and those who will be driving home. - Oral sedation is a sedation method done through the help of sedative pills like Valium. With this method, patients may stay awake, but some can fall asleep during the procedure. The sedative pills are taken one hour or the night before the dental treatment.
- IV or Intravenous sedation is a method where the sedation takes place intravenously or through the vein. This method allows the patient to relax or sleep immediately. It also helps the dentist control the level of sedation given to the patient.
- Nitrous oxide or Inhalation sedation is a sedation method that helps patients relax during dental treatment while staying awake. The patient will inhale the sedative through a mask placed on your nose.
- General anesthesia is a method of sedation where you will be asleep during the whole dental procedure. Until the anesthesia wears off, you will stay asleep or groggy. So, this procedure may not be applicable for patients who will drive themselves home.
Experience sedation dentistry at Soft Touch Dental
If you have extreme dental anxiety, remaining calm during dental treatment is possible with sedation. Soft Touch Dental provides sedation dentistry in Florissant. Our team aims to help break the barriers of dental anxiety to patients with poor oral health. Contact us now to learn more about our sedation services.