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Modern dentistry offers a variety of techniques to help patients stay comfortable during dental procedures. Learning more about these techniques can ease patients' concerns about the procedures they need. A sedation dentist uses medication to provide patients with a safe and comfortable dental care experience. Sedation can make necessary dental procedures much easier and is one of several options available to manage pain and anxiety at the dentist's office.
A sedation dentist is available at Desert Bloom Dentistry in Safford and the surrounding area. If you need dental work but feel anxious about what it entails, discuss how sedation can address your concerns. A qualified dentist can inform you about various options and make recommendations based on your concerns and medical history. Call us at (928) 428-1617 to schedule an appointment.
Sedation dentistry involves using medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. For most patients, this comes in addition to the usual pain relief, or an anesthetic, which is typically administered through an injection to the affected area. Sedation has the added effect of reducing patient anxiety and awareness of the details of a procedure.
Sedation for dental procedures can be mild, moderate, or deep. With mild sedation, most patients remain fairly alert but feel relaxed. Moderate sedation induces a deeper state of relaxation; patients undergoing it may not remember much of the procedure. Patients under deep sedation are still conscious but become drowsy and detached from their surroundings.
Sedation dentistry is ideal for patients who suffer from dental anxiety or fear, have a low pain threshold, a strong gag reflex, or need extensive dental work. It can also be beneficial for those who have difficulty sitting still for a long time or have sensitive teeth.
In a study published by the Journal of Dental Hygiene, 19% of the 308 study participants suffered from moderate to high dental anxiety. Sedation helps alleviate fear, ensuring that patients who have been avoiding necessary dental work due to anxiety can get the care they need comfortably.
A sedation dentist administers medicine that helps patients relax during the procedure. For most patients, this comes in addition to the usual pain relief, or an anesthetic, which is typically administered through an injection to the affected area. Sedation has the added effect of reducing patient anxiety and awareness of the details of a procedure.
There are several types of medications potentially used in dental sedation:
A sedation dentist administers medicine that helps patients relax during procedures such as:
Several medications are potentially used in dental sedation, and they can be given as a pill or administered intravenously. For minimal sedation, patients may receive gas inhaled through a mask, which wears off quickly. The type of sedative used is determined by the patient’s treatment, tolerance, and any conditions or illnesses they may have.
Local anesthesia is typically administered for minor restorative procedures such as cavity fillings, tooth extractions, root canal treatments, dental crown placement, and scaling and root planing. General anesthesia, usually inhaled or administered through an IV, is used for more severe procedures. It is commonly used for bone grafts, corrective jaw surgery, general tooth extractions, oral cancer surgery, sleep apnea surgery, cosmetic dental procedures, and cleft lip/palate surgery.
“The type of sedative used is determined by the patient’s treatment, their tolerance, and conditions or illnesses they may have.”
Sedation is one of the effective ways dentists have found to help patients get the care they need. Patients who have been avoiding necessary dental work due to anxiety can find sedation very helpful.
Candidates for sedation include patients who suffer from nervousness and those who have difficulty sitting for long periods. Some dental procedures necessitate remaining in the chair for an extended period with minimal movement, which can be challenging for certain individuals. Issues such as a strong gag reflex or a low pain threshold can also make sedation beneficial.
“Sedation is one of the effective ways dentists have found to help patients get the care they need.”
After a procedure involving sedation, patients may feel groggy or dizzy for a few hours. It is essential to have a responsible adult accompany you home, especially if moderate to deep sedation was used. Most patients can resume normal activities, like work or school, the next day, but driving is usually not advised until the effects of the sedation have entirely worn off.
Sedation can help patients get through most types of dental procedures. Preparation is key to making things go smoothly. Taking the following steps can help patients get the dental care they need with minimal pain and anxiety:
“Preparation is key to making things go smoothly.”
Q: What is the recovery time?
A: Recovery time depends on the type of sedation used. Minimal sedation allows you to recover within minutes to a few hours, while moderate to deep sedation may require a full day.
Q: When can I go back to work or school?
A: Most patients can return to work or school the day after their procedure.
Q: When can I drive?
A: It is generally advised not to drive until the sedation has completely worn off, usually 24 hours after moderate or deep sedation.
Q: When should I see my healthcare provider after surgery?
A: Follow-up appointments depend on the procedure and the dentist's recommendations. Always contact your provider if you experience any unusual symptoms.
Q. Which procedures can a sedation dentist help with?
A. Sedation can help with most dental procedures, including fillings. Based on the length of the procedure and other factors, a dentist can recommend an optimal approach for individual patients. Even routine procedures can cause anxiety for some, so sedation is a great option for allaying it.
Q. Can I eat or drink before my appointment with a sedation dentist?
A. Generally, dentists recommend avoiding solid foods and any dairy for at least six hours before the appointment. One should stop drinking liquids at least two hours prior to the procedure. However, the instructions for a specific patient may differ based on the type of sedation and other factors, so it is important to ask the dentist.
Q. Are there any side effects of sedation dentistry?
A. Dentists determine the optimally safe dosage and type of sedation for each patient. There are typically no lasting side effects. However, patients may feel dizzy, drowsy, or nauseous for up to four hours after the procedure. These effects can vary.
Q. What should I wear to a sedation dentistry appointment?
A. It is advisable to wear loose, comfortable clothing. Dressing in layers can help patients stay warm, as body temperature can drop under sedation. Dentists recommend avoiding large amounts of accessories.
Q. Can I take my regular medications before and after a sedation dentistry procedure?
A. In most cases, one should take medications as usual. It is important to let the dentist know about all medications you take. The dentist can then let you know if any changes are necessary on the day of the procedure.
By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options.
At Desert Bloom Dentistry, we are dedicated to providing high-quality dental care in a comfortable, relaxed environment. Dr. Layton and our team are committed to building lifelong relationships with our patients and their families. Experience why many consider us the best sedation dentist near Safford. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at (928) 428-1617.
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