What is sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is a service that Dr. Olson offers to patients who suffer from dental anxiety or dental phobia. Sedation dentistry helps you relax during your visit to the practice so that you can get the care you need without the misery of anxiety.
What is dental phobia?
Dental phobia is different from the nervousness that many people feel before going to the dentist. Dental phobia is characterized by:
- Increased agitation as you sit in the waiting area
- Trouble sleeping the night before your visit
- Feeling physically ill at the thought of going to the dentist
- Anything dental-related making you want to cry
- Feelings of panic when a dental tool is placed in your mouth
If any of this sounds like you, you likely have a dental phobia. If you do, that’s okay. With the help of sedation dentistry, you can get through a dental visit.
What types of medication are available for sedation dentistry?
Our team at Restora Dental Arts uses a variety of sedation medications, depending on your level of discomfort and health. These medications may relax you, or they may help you drift into a light sleep while your team works.
Nitrous oxide
Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is a sedation substance that you inhale through a mask. As you breathe it in, you find yourself gradually more and more relaxed, until you are very much at ease. Nitrous oxide is extremely safe.
Oral-conscious sedation
Oral-conscious sedation is the next level of sedation. The practice administers prescription medications just before your treatment. These medications bring you into an extremely deep state of relaxation.
You can remain awake after oral-conscious sedation, but many patients doze off because they’re so relaxed and calm. When the practice administers this type of sedation, you’re so relaxed that they can perform multiple procedures in one sitting. You will need a ride to and from your Oral-conscious sedation appointment, and you will be groggy the rest of the day.
IV sedation
Dr. Olson also partners with local dental anesthesiologists who administer dental sedation intravenously. IV sedation doesn’t necessarily make you fall asleep, but it does help you feel so deeply relaxed that you’re not fully aware of the procedure.
If you plan to receive IV sedation, make sure to plan ahead to have someone drive to and from your appointment you home because you will be groggy the rest of the day.
Don’t let dental anxiety or phobia stop you from getting the dental care you need. If you’re scared to schedule a dental appointment or are considering canceling, reach out to our office, to learn about sedation dentistry. Call or use the online booking tool today.
