Oral Sedative – When Sedation Dentistry May Be Used by Your General Dentist

Sedation dentistry might be what you need if you find yourself dealing with dental anxiety. The fear of visiting a dentist can be enough to send shivers down some people’s spines, and it can keep others from getting treatments they need just to avoid having to deal with the anxiety dental visits induce in them.

People with dental phobias typically put off getting dental treatments until a problem in their mouth causes them so much pain, it forces them to face their fear of the dentist. Getting dental treatments should not be that challenging, and sedation dentistry gives you safe ways to turn dental visits into pleasant experiences.

Why your general dentist might recommend sedation dentistry

A dentist might recommend sedation dentistry if they notice signs you might have dental anxiety, like regularly missing dental appointments or waiting until the last minute to get treatments for oral problems.

Other signs a patient might need dental sedatives include:

• The patient has a hard time staying still while getting treatments
• The patient has sensitive teeth
• The patient has a low pain threshold
• The person has an overactive gag reflex. This is more likely to affect children
• The person needs lots of work done

Options

Sedation dentistry involves using medication to keep patients calm and relaxed during treatments. The level of sedation a dentist recommends is determined on a case-by-case basis. The different levels of sedation commonly used include:

• Minimal sedation: This includes sedatives like nitrous oxide
• Moderate sedation: This includes more potent sedatives that leave the patient conscious during treatment. Patients typically do not remember much of the treatment, and their words might be slurred
• Deep sedation: This involves using strong sedatives that leave the patient semi-conscious
• General anesthesia: This is the deepest level of sedation, and it leaves the patient unconscious. It is typically recommended when the patient needs surgical treatments performed

Some of the sedatives used to help patients with dental anxiety include:

• Nitrous oxide: This is a fast-acting gas that makes patients relaxed and happy during treatments. Side effects are rare, and the gas wears off just as fast as it takes effect. It helps to create positive experiences at the dental clinic
• Oral sedatives: This can be used for mild to moderate levels of sedation. Patients are prescribed drugs – like valium – they can take before their treatment. It helps to reduce the patient’s anxiety and keeps them relaxed during treatment. Patients will not be able to operate a vehicle while they are under the influence of these sedatives
• IV sedatives: These are used for moderate levels of sedation. The medication is administered intravenously, so it takes effect quickly
• Deep sedation and general anesthesia: This involves using sedatives that leave the patient unconscious until the effects of the medication wears off

Put dental anxiety behind you

Visits to the dentist do not have to feel like a nightmare. Give us a call or visit our Chester clinic to set up an appointment with our dentist.

Request an appointment here: https://thechesterfielddentist.com or call Chesterfield Dentist at 8044120867 for an appointment in our Chester office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Sedation Dentist in Chester, VA.