Everything About Sedation Dentistry

Do you always feel nervous or anxious about dental treatments? Are you afraid of being in pain, or do you simply don't enjoy dental visits? Sedatives can help patients feel calm before, during, and after dental treatment. 

What is sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is the practice of using medication to help a patient feel relaxed during their dental treatment. Sedation dentistry helps patients feel relaxed during their dental procedure and can help patients feel little to no anxiety.

Who can benefit from sedation dentistry?

• Patients with Dental anxiety or phobia
• Children
• Patients with special needs
• Patients with a sensitive gag reflex
• Patients with problems sitting still. 
• Patients with complex dental problems
• Patients with medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure 

Anyone who is afraid of the dentist can benefit from sedation dentistry. In fact, the Hicksville dentist recommends it to most people.

Types of sedation used in dentistry

• Oral sedation

Oral sedation often involves taking a pill, such as Valium, an hour before your appointment. The effects of the medication will last for several hours. Aside from the medication, your treatment will be completely the same as if you weren’t sedated.

Oral sedation is usually recommended if you have very sensitive teeth, have trouble getting numb, or suffer from dental anxiety.

• Nitrous oxide sedation

Nitrous oxide (also called “laughing gas”) is a colorless, odorless gas that relaxes. It’s inhaled through a mask or through a tube that goes beneath the nose. The effects of nitrous oxide wear off quickly, making it a good solution for shorter or simpler procedures.

• IV sedation

IV sedation is administered intravenously and involves sedation medication being injected into your bloodstream. This enables you to quickly fall into a deep sleep and wake up feeling completely refreshed. IV sedation helps you feel completely relaxed and comfortable throughout the dental procedure.

• Deep sedation and general anesthesia.

Deep sedation and general anesthesia are forms of sedation that render a patient unconscious. With deep sedation, a patient may fall asleep during the procedure. During general anesthesia, the patient will keep you asleep and stay unconscious throughout the procedure.

Is sedation dentistry safe?

Yes, sedation dentistry is safe, and the medications used in dental sedation are regulated. Your Hicksville dentist will carefully monitor you throughout treatment. Your vital signs will be monitored, and you will be monitored for movement. In addition, you will be monitored for side effects. Many patients feel groggy after dental sedation, but this feeling does not last long.

Benefits of sedation dentistry

Sedation dentistry allows patients to undergo complex dental procedures without being stressed or anxious. This form of relaxation dentistry allows the dentist to provide the best care possible, which benefits patients in the long run.

Sedation dentistry offers a number of benefits to children as well. In addition to helping ease the discomfort of procedures, sedation can make your child feel more at ease and less apprehensive about the dentist. Children with autism or who are highly sensitive to pain may especially benefit from sedation dentistry.

Here are some of the benefits of sedation dentistry for children:

• Sedation can make your child feel calmer and more at ease.
• Sedation can help your child feel more comfortable.
• Sedation can make your child feel sleepy and relaxed.
• Sedation can help your child be more cooperative.

To learn more about our dental services, visit the Hicksville dentist Simpli Smiles Dentistry, 400 S Oyster Bay Rd #105, Hicksville, NY 11801. Call us at (516) 336-4902 for appointments.