Do you have a fear of the dentist? If you do, you’re not alone. There are millions of Americans who share the same fear. But today we have some good news for you! Sedation dentistry is an effective way to help you relax at the dentist and we’re going to give you all information you need to know about it.
Fun fact: Did you know that sedation dentistry is often called sleep dentistry?
Sedation dentistry involves your dentist using medication to help patients who experience fear or anxieties at the dentist to relax during their dental procedure. Generally these medications allow the patient to be awake during the procedure, unless they elect for general anesthesia, which puts the patient to sleep.
Today there are several different sedation methods dentists use to help patients get through appointments, each providing their own benefits. Oral sedation is a more common form of sedation dentistry. This sedation involves your dentist providing you with an oral medication you take prior to your appointment. The medication will provide a moderate sedation, making you groggy enough to possibly fall asleep during your procedure.
IV sedation is a method some doctors use in their practice because it works more quickly than an oral sedation medication. IV sedation involves receiving a sedative drug through your vein, into the blood stream. Through this method, your dentist can control and adjust the level of sedation medication you are receiving throughout the procedure.
You shouldn’t have to worry about the fear or anxiety that prevents you from visiting the dentist. Please give our office a call today with any of your questions or concerns about sedation dentistry at 208-888-3311 !