Sedation dentistry is one way to make dental appointments easier for patients who struggle with anxiety or have trouble feeling comfortable during treatment.
For some people, going to the dentist is no big deal. For others, even the thought of sitting in a dental chair can make them nervous. Sedation dentistry is one way to make dental appointments easier for patients who struggle with anxiety or have trouble feeling comfortable during treatment. There are several types of sedation, ranging from mild relaxation to deeper levels that leave you much less aware of what's happening around you. The type used depends on the procedure, your medical history, and your individual needs.
Dental anxiety is more common than you might think. Some people feel uneasy because of a bad experience in the past, while others worry about pain, needles, or simply not knowing what to expect. For certain patients, that fear becomes strong enough that they put off appointments altogether, even when they're dealing with a painful tooth or another dental problem. Unfortunately, waiting too long can sometimes turn a relatively minor issue into something that requires more extensive treatment.
Sedation can make it easier to get through dental procedures without feeling quite so anxious. Depending on the situation, it may be appropriate for more involved treatments or even routine appointments. It isn't necessarily needed for every patient, and the level of sedation that's right for one person may not be suitable for someone else. That's why it's important to discuss your concerns and health history before choosing an option.
At Northside Dental, we know that telling someone to relax doesn't make their dental anxiety disappear. We'd rather understand what's making you uncomfortable and see what can be done to help. Our staff will listen to your concerns, discuss the sedation options available, and explain what you can expect before, during, and after treatment. We'll also go over any questions about costs or scheduling so you can make an informed decision about your care.
If dental anxiety has been keeping you from making an appointment, call Northside Dental at 317-342-9446 to discuss your options. You can also visit our office at 15026 Greyhound Ct., Carmel, IN 46032.
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The Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
The benefits of sedation dentistry are substantial. One of the biggest benefits of sedation dentistry is the reduction of any dental anxiety you might experience during your procedure. Sedation dentistry literally helps you and us remain together, working in preventative maintenance mode versus reactionary. Patients will put off scheduling dental appointments because the thought of having work done provokes their anxiety. This procrastination then allows dental problems and issues to develop. Sedation dentistry can help alleviate these concerns and keep us in a proactive mode when it comes to your oral health.
Sedation dentistry will also significantly reduce or even remove your tooth and gum sensitivity, which in turn will reduce or eliminate your gag reflex.
Finally, sedation dentistry allows us to work more quickly and effectively, which means you benefit because your procedure will be completed more quickly.
The Three Levels of Sedation
There are three sedation options for us to choose from, which include local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and intravenous sedation. The best option for you will be dependent on the severity of the procedure being performed. We will discuss with you the several choices prior to beginning and how they will help you feel comfortable and less anxious during your appointment.
- Mild Sedation: If the goal is simply to relieve your anxiety, then this will be our preferred choice. Mild sedation minimizes your anxiety level and will also decrease the level of discomfort experienced. In some cases, it can even eliminate your pain altogether.
- Medium Sedation: Medium sedation will be the better option if your projected procedure is a little more intense or invasive. During medium sedation, you are in a much deeper state of relaxation. It is not uncommon that you will even experience some amnesia from this level. If this option is used for your sedation dentistry procedure, someone will need to drive you home upon completion.
- Deep Sedation: You are on the edge of consciousness yet can still be awakened.
The Different Types of Dental Sedation Available
The sedation options offered at Northside Dental can be categorized as one of two types: conscious sedation and general anesthesia. During your dental procedure using conscious sedation, your consciousness is simply depressed. With general anesthesia, you are completely unconscious for the entire procedure. As a result of this state of mind, you will not feel anything during the procedure, and you will have no memory of the procedure.
The methods available for us to administer the sedation to you include the following:
- Nitrous Oxide: Nitrous oxide is the mildest sedation option, the most common and easiest for us to work with. The procedure for administering Nitrous Oxide involves using a mouthpiece. As the Nitrous Oxide is delivered, you will simply enter a calm and relaxed state. This process will reduce both any pain and anxiety that are associated with simpler dental procedures and has a shorter life span.
- Oral Sedation: A more intense form of sedation is Oral Sedation. This method involves the delivery of your anxiety medication to induce a state of deeper calm and relaxation within you. This orally delivered medication will last for several hours after the procedure. You will not be allowed to drive immediately following your procedure.
- IV Sedation: IV, or Intravenous Sedation, is the most intense form of sedation Northside Dental offers. During the IV Sedation, we put you into a state of unconsciousness. It will not be uncommon for you to experience some amnesia both before and after the procedure. As with the Oral Sedation procedure, you also will not be allowed to drive after the procedure.
Sedation Dentistry Might be Beneficial for these Dental Procedures
Certain procedures, such as a root canal treatment, surgical tooth extraction, implant placement, and periodontal surgery, will most likely require some level of sedation dentistry. The use of sedation for other dental procedures is oftentimes decided at the discretion of our staff. We may suggest providing sedation for procedures that may be more intensive, or we may offer to provide sedation dentistry for you if you have expressed extreme anxiety.
Your Comfort and Your Care
At Northside Dental, we know that finding time for dental appointments can be difficult, especially when you have a busy schedule. We do our best to offer convenient appointment times and make each visit as comfortable and efficient as possible. Whether you're coming in for routine care or a specific dental concern, our team is here to help you get the treatment you need. We want to be a dental office that you and your family can rely on for years to come, and we look forward to welcoming you into our practice. Call Northside Dental at 317-342-9446 to schedule an appointment, or visit us at 15026 Greyhound Ct., Carmel, IN 46032.