Sedation dentistry has transformed the dental experience for many different types of dental patients. If you have been considering whether sedation treatment may be right for you, our O’Fallon dentists are here with some more information. Keep reading to get the scoop on this exciting development in dentistry.
The purpose of sedation treatment is to keep the patient calm and comfortable throughout the treatment process. People use sedation because:
· They suffer from dental anxiety that prevents them from even getting into the dentist’s chair in the first place
· They are prone to pain and sensitivity during treatment
· They are undergoing complex or multi-phased dental treatment. Sedation can actually enable our dental team to complete more dental treatments in a single appointment, because the patient does not become as fatigued and stressed in the dentist’s chair
One of the tried and true sedation treatments is laughing gas, or nitrous oxide. This type of sedation is inhaled by the patient during the appointment. As a result of nitrous inhalation, the patient starts to feel clam, spaced out, and even a little giggly. Nitrous oxide never renders the patient unconscious, and the effects wear off naturally post-treatment.
A recent and very useful development in relaxation treatment is oral conscious sedation. Oral conscious sedation requires the patient to take a small pill about an hour before they come in for treatment. This sedative helps the patient feel calm right away (so keep in mind that you will need someone to drive you to and from your appointment). Oral conscious sedation has amnesic effects, so you likely won’t remember any of the treatment process after it is complete. However, you will technically be conscious and able to respond to our dental team throughout your appointment.
Don’t let fear, anxiety, or dental sensitivity keep you from getting the high-quality restorative and preventive treatments that you need. Our O’Fallon sedation dentists are here to answer any questions you may have—give us a call to get started!