The Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

As humans, we tend to wrap our arms tightly around phobias. Naturally, there are events or objects that leave us weak in the knees. Sweat drips down our foreheads, our hearts race and we begin to feel as if there isn’t enough air in the world to breathe. For many, a trip to the dentist triggers this type of reaction. Let’s face it - any dental procedure is rarely on our list of “things to do.” Fortunately, there are ways to decrease the anxiety and still maintain your hygiene.

Sedation dentistry, which consists of a range of medications used to put the patient in a state of relaxation (or “twilight sleep”), is a popular method for those who want to put a halt to their phobias. It not only decreases anxiety but also allows the dentist to successfully finish the procedure, without any interruptions. Though there are several different types of sedation dentistry, Nitrous Oxide (also referred to as “Laughing Gas”) is one of the most mild forms. Catered for people who only suffer from minimal anxiety, Nitrous Oxide is a gas that is administered in the form of an inhaler. The patient breathes in the gas, which in turn, makes one feel silly and relaxed.

If you tend to suffer from moderate bouts of anxiety, Nitrous Oxide may not be enough. It is recommended that you try oral sedation. This is also a mild approach, as it consists of taking medication such as Ativan or Valium an hour before the procedure. Patients will no longer toss and turn the night before, worried that pain is soon to be knocking on their door. What’s more, the individual is fully aware and can hear their surroundings. It is certainly a quick and simple way to relieve the built up tension.

Looking for a stronger solution? For those who experience major anxiety and panic attacks when at the dentist, many suggest Intravenous sedation. Intravenous sedation takes it a step further and actually administers the medication (usually Fentanyl) through a needle that goes into the blood stream. Given that it is a more serious procedure, heart rate and blood pressure monitors are required. Though not fully unconscious, most patients do not remember the procedure at all. As a result, a stress-free experience is completely feasible.

If a patient does not cooperate during a procedure and may have special needs, Intramuscular sedation is used. Though not a popular method, Intramuscular sedation consists of injecting drugs into the muscle of the upper arm. Again, the patient is not fully unconscious, but rarely remembers the procedure itself.

While none of us enjoy going to the dentist, it has become a debilitating phobia for some. The thought of getting a cavity filled, a root canal or even a regular checkup can be all together frightening. With dozens of methods to treat such anxiety, sedation dentistry finally gives patients the chance to face their fears. It allows them to live life, maintain great hygiene and actually smile at the thought of a dentist chair.