Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
A lot of people get anxious and nervous about going to the dentist. In those cases, dentists use sedation dentistry techniques to make them comfortable and relaxed. Aside from that, sedatives and other medications may be necessary for some dental procedures. If you’re anxious about oral surgery in Parker, CO, understanding the benefits of sedation dentistry can help you know what to expect.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
This field of dentistry comes along with general dentistry and specifically involves helping patients relax during uncomfortable appointments and surgeries. The dentist can use several medications to achieve that. Some of the medications simply help you relax, while others control pain during treatment. There are also options that put you in a deep sleep.
However, the dentist must follow American Dental Association guidelines for practicing sedation dentistry. In particular, they have to ensure that the sedation is safe for your health. For example, you must have control over health issues such as high blood pressure, respiratory disease, cardiac disease, and diabetes. The dentist will review your medical history and perform an assessment before he proceeds with your sedation.
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry Involving Local Anesthesia
Local anesthesia is a medication that numbs your mouth in a specific area during procedures. Its purpose is to block the nerves that transmit pain so that you don’t feel it. The dentist may use a topical anesthetic to treat mouth sores. For cavity fillings, crowns and gum disease treatment, he may use injectable anesthetics.
To prepare for this sedation dentistry in Parker, CO, the dentist will dry the target area. Then, he’ll apply a topical gel to the gums. If you need an injectable, he’ll slowly inject the anesthetic into your gums after applying the gel.
An injectable can last for several hours. Until it wears off, you might find it difficult to eat, drink and speak clearly. In order to avoid damaging the tissues, don’t bite down on the numbed area.
Other Types of Sedation
One of the most common sedation dentistry options that dentists can use is nitrous oxide. Also called laughing gas or inhalation analgesia, it doesn’t put you to sleep but reduces anxiety and pain. In fact, the National Institutes of Health reports that some doctors use it during childbirth to relieve pain.
Enteral sedation is another option that comes in the form of a liquid or pill that you swallow. It calms your nerves and can make you drowsy. This is often used for root canals if the patient is anxious. Intravenous sedation involves directly injecting a sedative into a vein. As a result, it provides deep sedation that keeps you awake but less aware of your treatment.
General anesthesia is a type of sedation dentistry that puts you to sleep for the whole dental procedure. This loss of consciousness allows the dentist to concentrate on tedious procedures that require you to remain still. Afterward, you remain at the dental office until you wake up and recover enough to leave.
Get Quality Care at Signature Smiles Dentistry
Do you get anxious when you think about going to the dentist? Signature Smiles Dentistry can help you relax so that you get the professional dental care that you need. Contact us today to learn more about the benefits of sedation dentistry. Our dentist uses a variety of local anesthesia and sedatives to keep you comfortable.
Whether you need teeth whitening or oral surgery in Parker, CO, Signature Smiles Dentistry can improve your smile. Also, our range of services can help you maintain your smile. Some of these services include:
Don’t hesitate anymore to visit the dentist for routine care. Ask Signature Smiles Dentistry about using sedation dentistry to help you relax. Dial 720.513.8405 to learn more about the sedation options for a specific procedure.