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DOES DENTAL ANXIETY make it difficult for you to keep up with your regular dental appointments? Sedation dentistry could be the solution you’ve been looking for so that your teeth can get the professional care they need to stay healthy.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is when we use pharmacological agents to calm and relax a patient prior to and during a dental appointment. There are different levels of relation: mild, moderate, or deep sedation. Different medications and gases are used depending on the level of sedation needed. Sedation is a great option for anyone with varying degrees of anxiety or if you are going to need lengthy dental treatment.
Our Practice’s Sedation Dentistry Options
The main types of sedation options include Nitrous Oxide, Oral Sedation, and IV sedation.
Nitrous Oxide is a gas that you breath in the air but administered at a higher concentration for anxiolytic purposes. Inhaled nitrous oxide-oxygen is the most used gaseous anesthetic in the world. Often referred to as ‘Laughing Gas’, Nitrous Oxide is a great option for most children and adults. The combination of inhaled nitrous oxide and oxygen, when used appropriately, can be a safe and effective means of managing pain and anxiety in dentistry.
Oral Sedation is a combination of Nitrous Oxide and an oral anxiolytic medication. Common examples of the oral medication include valium and versed. Dr. Browning selects the type of medication based on a patient’s medical history. This option tends to provide a more relaxing effect and even can help you not remember the appointment.
IV Sedation at Castle Lake Dental is a process that provides the highest level of sedation. With this method, we are able to complete our treatment with the patient slightly asleep during the process and unaware of all the sights, sounds and smells. For the best and safest result, we have a medical anesthesiologist come to our office to provide this service.
Are You A Candidate For Sedation Dentistry?
For every patient interested in sedation dentistry, a consultation first occurs with Dr. Browning. This consultation can occur during your first hygiene visit or on its own. Dr. Browning will usually ask you how you handle a cleaning appointment. The level of anxiety you experience during a cleaning will help Dr. Browning determine whether Nitrous Oxide, Oral Sedation, or IV sedation is the recommended sedation option. She will also thoroughly examine your medical history to help determine if you are a candidate for sedation dentistry.
Bring Us Your Questions About Sedation Dentistry
Your days of staying away from the dentist’s office because of dental anxiety or fear are over! With our practice’s sedation dentistry options, you can be comfortable and relaxed while we take care of your teeth and gums. If you have any questions about sedation dentistry, just give us a call and we’ll be glad to answer them.
We want every patient to feel comfortable in our practice!
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.