For many people, thoughts of a trip to the dental chair induce nerves, if not full-blown fear. Fortunately for these individuals (and the rest of us), dentists and oral surgeons have sedation dentistry at their disposal to ensure that every patient receives the care they need, free from anxiety and physical discomfort.
Different Types of Dental Sedation
Dentists use several types of sedative drugs, with differing characteristics and potency levels, to make sure their patients remain relaxed and free from pain during more complex or invasive dental procedures. Here is a look at a few of the most common forms of sedation:
- Nitrous oxide — Also known as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide provides a light sedation that helps patients feel relaxed and comfortable while still conscious and responsive. Nitrous oxide, administered through a mask placed over the nose, both takes effect quickly and wears off quickly once the gas is turned off.
- Oral sedation — Oral sedation involves taking a prescribed sedative pill, often diazepam or triazolam, before a dental procedure. These medications amplify the effects of certain neurotransmitters to induce a state of drowsiness and relaxation while allowing the patient to remain conscious.
- Intravenous (IV) sedation — Administered intravenously, IV sedatives provide a deeper level of sedation, in which patients typically remain conscious but retain little or no memory of their procedure. IV sedation uses medications like midazolam or propofol, which quickly induce a state of deep relaxation.
- General anesthesia — Reserved for the most complex procedures or patients with extreme anxiety, general anesthesia renders the patient completely unconscious. Administered by an anesthesiologist, it involves a combination of inhaled gases and intravenous medications that effectively put the brain “under” into a sleep-like state.
The Benefits and Safety of Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry harnesses the power of advanced pharmacology to safely provide a range of benefits to patients with dental anxiety or those undergoing extensive procedures. The most significant of these include:
- Helping patients with dental anxiety stay calm.
- Minimizing physical discomfort during dental procedures.
- Allowing dentists to perform multiple procedures in one visit.
- Easy monitoring for safety, thanks to controlled doses and professional administration.
- Rapid recovery and return to normal activities post-treatment.
Safely Reducing Dental Anxiety With Sedation Dentistry in Huntsville, AL
Are you in the Huntsville area and looking to learn about the benefits and safety measures of sedation dentistry? If so, contact Dr. Brian Cook and the friendly and knowledgeable Twickenham Family Dentistry team to schedule a consultation!