Let’s face it, who isn’t afraid of pain? Dental procedures, at times, can get discomforting or even painful, and this is where sedation dentistry chips in. It can make you feel more relaxed and minimize the pain. Do you prefer sedation dentistry? Wondering how it works? Keep on reading to find out.
Before we explain how it works, let’s have a look at what it entails
sedation dental care involves the administration of anesthesia to help see you through a dental procedure. The most common types of sedation dentistry include;
Nitrous Oxide – Also known as the laughing gas, Nitrous Oxide is a gas that keeps you relaxed throughout the procedure. One of the advantages of Nitrous Oxide is that it wears off quickly and you can go about your activities.
Oral Sedatives – It includes medication such as diazepam that will keep you relaxed and a bit sleepy. It also wears off fast.
Intravenous Sedatives – These sedatives are more thorough. Some might put you in mild sleep, whereas others might knock you out completely. IV sedatives are used in severe dental operations.
How Does It Work?
Let’s get the part you have been eagerly waiting for: How does sedation dentistry work?
First, the process will depend on the sedation you and your doctor will agree to use. For oral sedatives, you will take it an hour or some few minutes before the procedure. You can only start when the effects begin to kick in.
In the case of nitrous oxide, it can be administered at the dentist office immediately before the dental procedure. For intravenous sedation, you might need to prepare in advance. There are a few foods or drinks you should avoid before receiving the sedative medication. This is because some foods might interfere with IV medication.
If you are interested in sedation dentistry, make sure you discuss your options with your doctor. He/she will recommend which one is suitable for you, depending on the procedure at hand.