Sedation dentistry might be necessary when feeling anxious or nervous about visiting the dentist for routine care or certain procedures. Dental anxiety is a common condition and it can be caused for a variety of things. Some people have a fear of dentists due to past negative experiences, while others might be afraid of the tools used by dentists.
Sedation dentistry serves a crucial role since people with dental anxiety may do anything to avoid going to the dentist. As a result, minor dental issues are left to fester until they turn into something more serious. This leads to higher dental bills, more pain and extreme discomfort, all of which could be avoided if the appropriate measures were taken early on. It is the pain caused by serious dental issues like cavities and infections that often forces people with dental phobias to face their fears and see a dentist.
Sedation dentistry aims to keep patients with dental phobias relaxed during their treatments. This makes their experience at the dentist more pleasant while the dentist can get more work done. Here are the various levels of sedatives that can be used to keep patients calm and relaxed during treatments:
This is the first level of sedation used to combat dental anxiety. It can involve inhaled medication like nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas or oral medication. Laughing gas is used to keep patients calm and relaxed during their treatment. The medication is administered via a face mask and it takes effect within a few minutes. The effects wear off quickly, allowing patients to drive themselves home afterward.
Oral medication like Halcion, a type of valium, can be used to address the anxiety that might occur before getting to the clinic. The pill can be taken about an hour before the patient's appointment. Such medication will make a person drowsy, so transportation should be arranged.
These medications are used to put the patient in a reduced state of consciousness. The patient should still be able to respond to verbal commands given by the dentist during their treatment, but they might not remember what went on afterward. The patient's reflexes remain functional under the influence of these drugs and they can breathe without assistance. IV administration and oral medication are typically used as moderate levels in sedation dentistry.
This level of sedation leads to very low levels of consciousness and the patient might not be able to respond to commands. The patient might also need assistance breathing and keeping their airways open. This level of sedation dentistry is usually used during surgical treatments.
This leads to a total loss of consciousness that the patient cannot be awakened from even when stimulated with pain. The patient will need a ventilator to keep their airways open. This level of sedation is typically performed in a hospital setting for more complex oral procedures.
Call or visit our Austin clinic if you need help getting past any dental phobias.
Request an appointment here: https://austinprimarydental.com or call Austin Primary Dental at (512) 808-5651 for an appointment in our Austin office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Sedation Dentistry in Austin, TX.
Sedation dentistry helps individuals to overcome the fear of dentists. Dental anxiety affects many people and it often prevents them from getting treatments they need when problems develop in their mouths. However, most dental problems do not go away on their own. Treatment is needed to prevent the issue from getting worse, which can result…
A sedation dentist can use different sedation techniques to relieve pain during a dental procedure.As a sedation dentist, we offer patients who struggle with anxiety at the dentist an alternative. Sedation methods can be short-term and will not have too long of an effect after the appointment is complete.Sedation DentistAt Austin Primary Dental in Austin,…
As a sedation dentist in Austin, we are changing the way that people receive dental care. Traditionally, dentists perform treatments while a patient is fully aware. We will sometimes administer local anesthesia with a shot in the gums of the specific quadrant that we are working on. This is effective but getting a shot can…
Dental anxiety is relatively common in patients of all ages. While most people think that only children fear the dentist, many adult patients actually do too. Dental anxiety involves feelings of nervousness or fear, which are completely normal and manageable. The first step is to understand dental anxiety and its triggers, which can be helpful…
Dental restorative procedures like implant supported dentures can be a solution to partial or complete teeth loss. No one wants to lose a tooth, but you may experience it due to situations beyond control. In addition to transforming your smile, the procedure can boost your self-esteem and have your teeth functioning fully in no time.An…
Dental fillings can last a long time, but they are not life-long restorations. Most fillings will need to be replaced after around a decade, with some types lasting longer than others. If you are wondering whether it is time to replace your old dental filling, be aware that as long as it is continuing to…