If you experience anxiety when visiting the dentist, you are not alone. Millions of people have a genuine apprehension of receiving dental treatment. Unfortunately, not undergoing necessary treatment can result in oral health care problems that can decrease your quality of life long-term. A sedation dentist offers multiple options for helping you finally relax the next time you have to undergo a dental procedure.
IV Conscious Sedation
This type of sedation option requires the use of an intravenous line in the hand or arm to administer a sedative medication. A quality sedation dentist has completed the advanced training necessary to deliver this type of sedation in an effective and safe manner. When you choose this option, you will likely feel as though you have slept during the whole dental procedure. IV sedation is generally indicated for shorter procedures. You should designate a person to drive you home following your treatment after using IV sedation.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation resembles IV conscious sedation. This method allows you to take a few pills, which can keep you from being unaware of your treatment. It will be as though you are snoozing during the procedure. As a result, you likely will not recall anything about the treatment. Oral sedation is a popular choice for patients who have a fear of needles. If you are interested in this sedation option, your doctor can prescribe oral medication for you that you must take prior to your treatment so that a moderate sedation state can be induced. You can also receive nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, during the procedure to make yourself even more comfortable at the dental office. Like IV conscious sedation, oral conscious sedation requires that you have a designated driver.
General Anesthesia
General anesthesia, which is also known as sleep dentistry, is the deepest sedation level you can choose. With this option, you will remain unconscious during the treatment. Since you are not conscious, you will not be able to respond to touch or sound. A tube is typically placed through the nose or mouth into the windpipe to allow breathing. The right sedation dentist will help you to select best sedation method to make your next dental procedure your most pleasant yet.
