Dental Sedation: Understanding Your Options for a More Comfortable Experience

For many patients, a trip to the dentist is an uninspiring event that they forget about soon after leaving the office. However, for approximately 36 percent of the population with dental anxiety, a presumed mundane dentist visit can cause uncomfortable symptoms like sweating, racing heartbeat, low blood pressure, and signs of visible distress.

Many dentists now offer a variety of sedation methods to help ease patients’ fears and eliminate any pain they may feel during a procedure. Let’s explore your sedation options to ensure that you have a comfortable, anxiety-free visit.

Common Dental Sedation Methods

Dental sedation refers to several standard medical options that help patients relax and feel more at ease during dental procedures. Sedation can also help patients undergoing lengthy or particularly uncomfortable procedures feel more comfortable in the dental chair. The type of sedation that your dentist may recommend will depend on several factors, such as the extent of your anxiety and the type of procedure.

Some of the most common dental sedation methods include:

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation, otherwise known as pill sedation, occurs when a patient takes a prescribed sedative in the form of a pill in the hours leading up to their appointment. Oral sedatives generally refer to Benzodiazepines, such as Xanax, Valium, or Halcion.

Soon after swallowing the medication, the patient will often experience a calm mood that helps them get through the procedure without fear or anxiety. No needles are required; while you may feel drowsy during the procedure, you’ll still be awake and responsive.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation

Nitrous oxide is an odorless, colorless, inorganic gas that helps you feel relaxed and carefree when inhaled. Although you’re technically still awake, nitrous or “laughing gas” creates a state of short-term amnesia in which you’ll experience insensitivity to pain.

Dentists often recommend nitrous oxide sedation to patients with dental anxiety, an overly sensitive gag reflex, extreme teeth sensitivity, a fear of needles, or a decreased sensitivity to local anesthesia.

Intravenous Sedation

Intravenous (IV) sedation is a form of conscious sedation that helps patients feel calm during their appointments. While it does cause you to fall asleep fully, most patients are less aware of their surroundings and may not remember the procedure.

There are several advantages to choosing intravenous sedation when undergoing specific dental procedures. First, it begins to work very quickly, and you’ll feel little to no discomfort during the procedure. It also allows you to cooperate for a more extended period, allowing the dentist to perform a lengthy or multiple procedures at once.

Get the Treatment You Need Today

Dental fear can prevent patients from getting the treatment they need to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Fortunately, multiple sedation methods can help ease concerns and make you feel more relaxed during your procedure. Learn more about dental sedation or schedule your appointment with Vero Elite Dentistry.