Imagine a world where your dental appointments are free from anxiety, where you can finally address your oral health needs without hesitation. If this is far from your reality at the moment due to dental anxiety, know that you are not alone. In fact, 36% of people in the U.S. experience anxiety about their next dental visit. Fortunately, sedation dentistry offers peace of mind and allows patients to experience their appointments worry-free and leaves their oral health needs satisfied. Are you putting off dental treatment because of anxiety? With sedation dentistry, there is no need to let your fears hold you back from receiving the treatment you need.
Sedation dentistry transforms dental visits into a stress-free experience, and your loved ones are no exception. Often, when a child needs a trip to the dentist, the experience can become challenging and anxiety-inducing for both parent and child. However, a solution exists – sedation dentistry offers a tear-free, stress-free alternative. Additionally, individuals with intellectual or physical disabilities may discover that sedation dentistry ensures treatments proceed in a calm and secure manner. Whether for yourself or a loved one, this introduction to sedation dentistry becomes your gateway to a more relaxed and comfortable dental experience.
Begin your exploration of sedation dentistry today by examining the various forms of sedation dentistry, understanding the necessary preparations for procedures involving sedation dentistry, and recognizing the significant impact of a comprehensive range of sedation services.
Different Types of Sedation Dentistry
Your dentist or dental anesthesiologist will decide what type of sedation to administer depending on the procedure and your level of anxiety. Patients should be aware of the degree of patient consciousness and side effects associated with each form of sedation. The following forms of sedation range from most conscious to least conscious:
- Inhaled Minimal Sedation (Nitrous Oxide): Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide gets administered through a mask and swiftly alleviates any patient’s anxiety. Patients remain conscious during the procedure; however, the soothing influence of nitrous oxide usually results in a lack of pain perception. Given the minimal sedation, you can drive home after the appointment and resume regular activities.
- Oral Sedation: Prior to the procedure, the dentist will have the patient take oral medication that places them in a medicated state. The patient will still be conscious and will be able to communicate as needed.
- IV Moderate Sedation: Administered through an IV, this form of sedation causes most patients to fall asleep or lose recollection of the procedure. While it still counts as conscious sedation, this form of sedation causes a stupor-like state for the patient.
- Deep sedation and general anesthesia: A dental anesthesiologist needs to administer deep sedation, which is the heaviest form of sedation, and causes the patient to be completely unconscious during the procedure.
How to Prepare for Your Visit
If heavy sedation is used, patients need to plan ahead to allow enough time for the sedation to wear off, which typically takes 2-8 hours. Unless otherwise noted by your dental provider, patients should only drink clear fluids 2 hours prior to their procedure and avoid eating.
For all the listed forms of sedation other than nitrous oxide, ask a trusted person to drive you home from your appointment and ensure you are safe in bed. As for work and school, plan to take the rest of the day off after your appointment and perhaps even the next day as you may need more recovery time before getting to work. The minimal side effects typically wear off within hours of the appointment.
Some patients may experience nausea, headache, and bruising from the IV. It is best to follow your dental provider’s recommendations for the individualized timeline of when the effects wear off.
Sedation Dentistry: The Chestnut Ridge Dental Difference
A dental provider’s genuine concern for your comfort and well-being holds significant value. We advocate for an anxiety-free dental experience, whether you seek treatment for dental concerns or aim for a brighter smile. Explore how advanced sedation dentistry can reshape your dental visits into anxiety-free experiences.
Chestnut Ridge Dental’s sedation dentistry pairs perfectly with its full roster of services, such as emergency dental care, dental bonding, and cosmetic dentistry. It’s time to stop putting off your next appointment and call Chestnut Ridge Dental today at (201) 391-4466 to experience the feeling of anxiety-free dentistry.
