Sedation dentistry is commonly used in dental offices throughout the U.S. to help anxious individuals not only feel calmer while in the treatment chair but also receive necessary oral healthcare. There are multiple options available for patients, each designed to curb fears and nerves while effectively replacing them with a comfortable, more positive experience. As you prepare for your next appointment, you may be thinking about how you might benefit from this helpful add-on, but which method of sedation is right for you? Keep reading to find out.
Which Sedation Methods Are Available?
There are three common methods of dental sedation available – nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation. Which ones are offered in various practices is up to the dentist; however, it’s not uncommon for many professionals to provide all three. Below is a brief breakdown of each one and how they work:
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide is more commonly referred to as “laughing gas” and is safe to use on children and adults. It’s mild and offers patients a chance to “take the edge off” while receiving dental care. The combination of nitrous oxide and oxygen is delivered through a nasal mask. The patient inhales until the effects begin to make them feel more comfortable and relaxed.
It can be adjusted throughout treatment, and once the mask is removed and the gas is turned off, its effects quickly begin to wane. This allows the individual to return to normal activity following the appointment.
Oral Conscious Sedation
With the help of a prescribed pill, oral conscious sedation helps minimize nervousness and fear for patients who experience mild to moderate dental anxiety. Depending on the medication provided, the individual will take it in the hours before their appointment or the evening before.
Once in the treatment chair, the patient will no longer feel any uncertainty but instead be ready for treatment because of the sense of calm they experience. Throughout treatment, they’ll feel no pain and are unlikely to remember much of their appointment.
The effects take time to wear off, though, so it’s important that the person have someone take them home after their appointment to ensure they remain safe.
IV Sedation
Using a needle and a vein in the patient’s arm, IV (intravenous) sedation is administered directly into the bloodstream for a faster effect. This method is usually recommended for those with severe dental anxiety or who require multiple dental procedures in one visit.
With this method of sedation, team members will closely monitor the patient’s vitals to ensure their safety and comfort. The individual may fall asleep but can be aroused if they need to respond to a cue or question from the dentist.
A family member or friend must escort the patient to and from their appointment and remain with them for a while afterward to make sure they experience no ill side effects from the sedation.
Knowing which one is right for you ultimately depends on the type of care you need, your preference, and the level of anxiety you experience. When talking with your dentist, you can expect they’ll share their recommendations so that you remain comfortable and cavity-free from now on.
About the Author
Dr. Matthew Hart is a Columbia dentist who wants every patient to have a positive experience while in the dentist’s chair. Recognizing that dental anxiety is a common occurrence – one that keeps people from seeking regular oral healthcare year-round – he and the team at Beck Dental Care of Columbia offer sedation dentistry solutions to curb anxiety. No matter why an individual may struggle with a fear of the dentist, Dr. Hart is here to help, so contact us via our website or by calling (931) 388-8452 if you would like to discuss our options for dental sedation.