There is a misconception that dental professionals cause you pain. One of the reasons for it goes back centuries ago when there were no modern techniques and the treatment for a damaged tooth was extracting it without medication to numb the area. However, even nowadays, people fear the dentist.
You should know that our family dentist in Seton is looking forward to helping you improve your oral health. They are not the cause of your pain; in fact, it is pretty much the opposite. They evaluate your mouth to detect early signs of oral diseases and help you along the way to achieve excellent oral care.
So, what can you do if you suffer from dental anxiety? Sedation dentistry in Seton may be your solution, and we will discuss it further.
What is Dental Anxiety?
If you are looking for sedation dentistry near you, you may suffer from dental anxiety. Dental anxiety is a condition in which patients fear any dental procedures and get nervous about the drilling sounds and the local anesthetic.
If you feel like you can relate, we recommend looking for a dentist near you that offers sedation dentistry.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
As its name suggests, sedation dentistry consists of using a sedative to make a patient feel calm during a dental procedure. Your dental professional will offer many methods; among them, you can find the following:
- Gas Sedation
Gas sedation is also known as laughing gas, and it consists of administering nitrous oxide with oxygen through a mask. Your dentist will place it above your nose, and as soon as you inhale, you will feel content and relaxed during the procedure. Afterward, the effects wear off right away. It is the only sedation method where you can drive back home by yourself.
- Oral Sedation
With this type of sedation, your dental professional will prescribe medication for you to take about an hour before the procedure since it takes a while to take effect. After the treatment, you will still feel drowsy; therefore, plan ahead and bring someone to take you home afterward.
- Intravenous Sedation
Your doctor will administer a sedative intravenously for you to relax during the procedure. The effects also remain after you wake up, so make the necessary arrangements to head back home. If you choose this option, you may resume your daily activities after 24 hours.
Who Qualifies for Sedation Dentistry?
If you suffer from dental anxiety or have a child who cannot even sit in the dentist’s chair because he or she is afraid, sedation dentistry is an excellent option. It is also ideal for patients with special needs.
And even if it’s none of the above and you only want to have a more pleasant experience at the dental office, you can be a candidate. Your dental professional will ask about any medical conditions to ensure that there are no problems at all.
What Are the Side Effects?
Like with any medical or dental procedure, sedation dentistry may cause some side effects. The most common ones are nausea, blurry vision, sleepiness, and sweating; however, if you choose the right professional who administers the correct dose, side effects are unlikely.
Dentistry is not one-size-fits-all; therefore, we suggest you schedule a free consultation visit with our experts to determine what method suits your wants and needs.
For any other concerns regarding sedation dentistry, feel free to contact our dental offices. Our team of dental professionals is looking forward to helping you with any doubts you may have.