Overcoming Dental Anxiety With Sedation Dentistry

Many patients feel apprehensive about dental care, and some even feel severe anxiety. However, dental anxiety shouldn't keep you from maintaining good oral health. Sedation dentistry is available to help you feel comfortable and relaxed during any dental procedure.

Sedation dentistry

Sedation dentistry is the term used to describe the use of sedation techniques to help patients relax and feel more comfortable while receiving dental treatment. 

Types of sedation used in dentistry

• Nitrous oxide

Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is used to help a patient become relaxed during a dental procedure. The gas is inhaled through a mask that fits over your nose. You'll feel calm and relaxed, but you'll remain awake, and your breathing will be unaffected.

• Oral sedation

Oral sedation involves taking medication one hour before your dental visit so you are relaxed by the time your appointment begins. Sedation dentistry reduces your anxiety and discomfort during dental treatment. Although it won't put you to sleep, most patients report feeling relaxed.

• IV sedation

With IV sedation, a sedative drug is administered directly into a patient's bloodstream. Because the drug is administered intravenously, the sedation takes effect almost immediately. IV sedation is generally used for patients who are afraid of the dentist, who require extensive dental work, or who have trouble sitting still in the dentist's chair.

• General anesthesia

General anesthesia is a type of sedation dentistry where the patient is "put under" and is completely asleep. This type of anesthesia is usually reserved for major dental procedures such as wisdom tooth removal, oral surgery, or dental implant surgery. General anesthesia can be given intravenously, meaning through an injection in the arm or hand or through a breathing mask.

Common signs that you need sedation dentistry

If you have dental anxiety, or if you're just nervous about your upcoming appointment, sedation dentistry can help. There are several types of sedation available, including nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation. We'll talk to you about which sedation option is right for you.

Benefits of sedation dentistry

Sedation dentistry can make going to the dentist less intimidating. Regardless of whether your fear stems from a bad experience in the past, a sensitive gag reflex, or other reasons, sedation dentistry can calm your nerves.

The major benefits of using sedation dentistry include the following:

• Patients who experience dental anxiety or fear can have successful dental procedures done while they are completely relaxed and comfortable. They will not experience any pain or discomfort.
• Patients who suffer from paralyzing dental anxiety can finally go to the dentist without fear. They can relax and have a completely stress-free dental procedure.
• Sedation dentistry can help patients who have a high gag reflex. They can have dental work done without gagging on the instruments or dental materials.

To find out more about the dental services offered at North End Dental and schedule an appointment with us, call (719) 471-1900. You can also visit us at 1705 N, Weber St, Colorado Springs, CO 80907.