How Does Sedation Dentistry Make Dental treatments Easy And Comfortable?

It is estimated that approximately 15% of adults avoid going to the dentist due to dental anxiety. These patients often experience such extreme anxiety that they are completely unable to relax in the dental chair or even sit in the waiting room. This anxiety can even cause them to avoid dental care, making them more susceptible to dental issues. With sedation dentistry, however, these patients are able to undergo necessary dental work without feeling anxious or afraid. Sedation dentistry refers to the use of sedative medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. Patients that undergo sedation dentistry may feel sleepy or groggy but typically don’t remember much, if anything, about the treatment.

Types of Sedation

• Oral Sedation

Oral sedation dentistry involves the use of oral medication to control anxiety before, during, or after a dental procedure. Oral sedation dentistry is typically administered in the form of pills or liquid, and patients are required to take a pill or liquid about an hour before their dental procedure. Oral sedation dentistry is ideal for patients who suffer from dental anxiety or are prone to gagging.

• IV Sedation

During IV sedation, medication is delivered directly to the bloodstream. IV sedation is also called intravenous sedation. A thin needle delivers the sedative medication into the bloodstream. The patient’s vital signs are monitored throughout the procedure. The patient cannot drive for the remainder of the day, so a friend or family member must drive the patient to and from the appointment.

• Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas)

Nitrous oxide is a sedative that is administered through a nasal mask. This gas has a calming effect that helps patients relax during dental treatment. Some patients may even feel a sense of euphoria as well. 

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

There are various reasons to consider sedation during your next dental procedure. 

• Helps patients with dental fear:Many patients experience dental phobia or extreme fear of the dentist. This can pose a difficulty when it comes to attending regular checkups and the necessary care that patients need. Sedation dentistry allows a patient to be awake during their procedure but feel relaxed and calm.
• Allows treatment of multiple dental problems:If you have multiple dental problems, then sedation dentistry may be right for you. Sedation dentistry can help those with a large amount of dental work (like multiple fillings, crowns, root canals, etc.) have it done in one visit. Sedation can also help those that need to undergo a more invasive procedure, such as wisdom tooth extraction.
• Helps patients with complex dental problems: Patients who have complex dental problems are often better off with sedation dentistry. This includes patients who are undergoing extensive procedures like full-mouth reconstruction, extensive wisdom tooth removal, or dental implant surgery.
• Helps patients with physical limitations:Dental sedation can be a great option for patients with physical limitations that make sitting in a dentist’s chair for long periods of time difficult. It can also help you if you have a bad gag reflex. Sedation dentistry can provide many benefits for patients suffering from certain conditions and/or taking certain medications.
• Other issues:If you have dental anxiety or difficulty getting numb, you could benefit from sedation dentistry.

If you’d like to know more about dental sedation, call (925) 847-8790 to schedule an appointment. You can also directly visit John H. Ko, DDS, at 5720 Stoneridge Mall Rd #200, Pleasanton, CA 94588 for all your dental health concerns.