Relax Throughout Treatment with Sedation Dentistry
The biggest reason that people put off important dental procedures is anxiety, a combination of fear and nervousness, worries about pain, and so forth. However, there's a way to avoid all of that, and it's called sedation dentistry. Sedation dentistry, available at our Woodinville practice, is a wonderful option for anybody who has is fearful and anxious about dental procedures.
Sedation dentistry provides patients with an array of benefits:
- No fear or anxiety during treatment, lessened worries beforehand
- No sense of time while sedated, and no memory of the procedure
- No sense of smell or sound during treatment
Ultimately, it's a completely safe, comfortable and relaxing option, and it's something which many patients are now benefiting from.
Types and Levels of Sedation Dentistry
There are three levels of sedative states used in sedation dentistry:
- Mild: Anxiolysis, or what amounts to an anti-anxiety treatment, is the first and lightest level. It is typically administered orally, and patients remain awake, although very sleepy and relaxed, during procedures. A few hours of recovery time is all that is required. Alternatively, nitrous oxide inhalation is considered mild to moderate sedation for in-treatment relaxation.
- Moderate: Moderate sedation often requires the use of light IV sedation, used for patients with higher levels of anxiety, or those who need more complex procedures. Patients remain conscious and awake, but in a deep state of relaxation. This treatment will often require several hours of recovery from the sedative during which time patients should not drive, therefore, a family member or friend should be on hand for transportation.
- Deep: Deep sedation dentistry will have patients going between consciousness and unconsciousness during a procedure. Patients are unable to respond to commands, and will typically have no recollection of a procedure. A family member or friend to provide transportation is typically required.
There are also a variety of ways in which sedatives can be administered:
- Inhalation: Commonly known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is an easy to administer treatment for mild anxiety.
- Oral: Oral treatment of sedatives is a popular and easy choice. Patients take a pill an hour before their appointment, and then are ready to go by the time the procedure is underway.
- Intramuscular (IM): Intramuscular sedation utilizes an injection into the muscles of the upper arm or thigh, producing quick sedation.
- Intravenous (IV): Intravenous sedation utilizes direct, intravenously administering of a sedative. Can be continued and adjusted for duration of procedure.
It's also crucial that any dentist you visit for sedation dentistry has the proper certifications. An IV certified and licensed dentist has been trained and certified to provide such treatments safely.
Sedation dentistry works wonders for many patients. Contact the team at Signature Smiles to learn more or to schedule an appointment today.
