Many people tense up in fear at the thought of visiting the dentist and having a dental procedure done.
These fears are common among plenty of people, which is why many choose sedation to help ease the stress and anxiety of sitting in that big, imposing chair.
There are several options of sedation, the two most common being nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, and IV sedation. Each method is different, so depending on your level of anxiety, your dentist will recommend the most suitable option for you.
Whether you’re visiting the dentist for a cleaning, checkup, or something more extensive, sedation is available to calm your nerves and make the visit a more comfortable and pleasant experience.
Two Types of Sedation Used in Dentistry
The two most popular sedation options patients have are nitrous oxide, most commonly known as laughing gas, and IV sedation.
In order to determine which option is the right one for you, you must take into consideration the differences between them as well as your levels of anxiety.
For people with mild to moderate dental anxiety, nitrous oxide is recommended.
Patients inhale this colorless and odorless gas through a breathing mask and feel its effects within seconds. Nitrous oxide provides patients with extra relaxation that calms their nerves and reduces any dread or fear they have about the dental procedure.
For patients with more severe cases of anxiety and fear, IV sedation is used. This form of sedation is administered intravenously using a small needle, entering directly into the bloodstream. Similar to nitrous oxide, patients will feel more relaxed, so much so that they might even fall asleep.
For both types of sedation, the dentist is able to control the levels of sedation appropriately.
Why You Might Use or Need Sedation Dentistry
It’s natural to feel nervous before a dental procedure, which is where sedation dentistry comes in handy.
Being uncomfortable or feeling uneasy during the procedure can increase the risk of complications.
The fear of the procedure can cause many patients to panic, and make sudden movements which can compromise the quality of the treatment. Sedation will help you manage the anxiety, allowing the procedure to go smoothly.
Another primary concern of many patients is pain management. Many dental procedures, such as root canals and wisdom teeth extractions, can be incredibly painful without any form of sedation.
Dental clinics are full of triggers for many people, whether it’s caused by the tools used and the sounds they make or the smells and bright lights.
Fight or flight responses may be triggered when patients hear a drilling noise or see the daunting equipment. It can be dangerous for a patient to move during the procedure, so it’s best to explore sedation options prior to the appointment to avoid triggering this response.
Sedation Dentistry at Yazdani Family Dentistry
Feeling anxious or nervous about visiting the dentist is a common occurrence for many people.
Thankfully, sedation dentistry offers the perfect solution for those who experience dental phobia or feel uneasy during dental procedures.
Our expert staff is professionally trained to administer both sedation options, making our patients’ experiences a much more enjoyable one. At Yazdani Family Dentistry, we work hard to create an inviting and relaxing environment for our patients to make them feel at ease at all times.
Reach out to us today to learn more about the different sedation options we offer and feel better about your next dental procedure.
