Posted by Dr. Shirley Zao on Jul 23 2022, 10:36 PM
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.
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.
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 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.
There are various reasons to consider sedation during your next dental procedure.
If you’d like to know more about dental sedation, call (925) 847-8790 to schedule an appointment. You can also directly visit us at 5720 Stoneridge Mall Rd #200, Pleasanton, CA 94588 for all your dental health concerns.