According to a recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) nearly three-quarters of all adults in the US have some level of anxiety about visiting the dentist. Unfortunately, this often means they avoid seeking important oral health treatments and even routine dental checkups and cleanings as a result. Dental sedation aims to change all that, by helping patients to feel calmer and more comfortable in the dental chair. Here’s what it feels like, and why it could just be the best thing to ever happen to your smile!
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is the use of sedatives to help you feel calm and relaxed during any type of oral health treatment. Your dentist offers two safe, effective options: nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation. With these methods, you should remain fully awake during your treatment so you can respond to instructions and answer questions, but you should also feel relaxed enough to complete your procedure without anxiety.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide is a colorless, sweet-smelling gas that is delivered via a tube that fits comfortably inside your nostrils. To enjoy its benefits, you simply breathe in via your nose, and within moments your body will feel calm and relaxed. You will be awake, but you should feel peaceful, and while you shouldn’t get the giggles, nitrous did get the nickname “laughing gas” because most patients feel at ease enough to laugh if the moment arises. Once your treatment is over, your dentist will turn off the nitrous oxide and have you breathe pure oxygen for five minutes. This will help remove any lingering sedative from your body and leave you feeling awake and alert enough to drive and even return to your regular activities depending on your procedure.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation uses a pill that your dentist will prescribe before your appointment, and you’ll need to pick up from your pharmacy to take prior to your procedure. You will also need to have a ride home with a trusted friend or family member following your treatment and should plan on taking the rest of the day off, so the sedative has time to completely leave your system.
While you are under the effects of an oral sedative, you will feel a deep sense of relaxation and calm. You may also feel a little groggy, and you may even fall asleep. It may also be hard to speak, and you might forget some of or all of your procedure, which many people appreciate. Sometimes, patients are concerned that sedation will cause them to overshare or that it will act like a truth serum, but this doesn’t usually happen, and if it does, your dental team will respect your privacy. In fact, as with any other time, anything shared under sedation will be kept strictly confidential.
Depending on the pill, your sedative should wear off within a few hours, but it is best to wait to resume your normal activities until after you’ve had a complete night’s sleep.
Am I A Good Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?
Dental sedation is an excellent option for anyone who has severe anxiety that prevents them from comfortably sitting in the dental chair for any type of treatment, including regular checkups and cleanings. It can also be extremely helpful for those with a sensitive gag reflex.
To qualify for sedation, you must be in good health. Your dentist will review your medical history and vitals to ensure you are well enough to receive treatment, but be sure to let them know if you have any allergies, which medications you are currently taking (including OTC pills and vitamins), if you are or could be pregnant, and if you have any other medical issues that could affect your treatment.
Remember, if you are anxious or afraid of the dentist, sedation can make your next treatment or procedure much more comfortable. To learn more about which sedation dentistry options your dentist offers and how they can benefit you, reach out ahead of your next appointment to make arrangements.
About Our Practice
At Ponte Vedra Family Dentistry, Dr. Perry and Dr. Bonis understand that dental anxiety can prevent you from having a healthy, happy smile. That’s why they’re pleased to offer both nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation options to patients during any treatment. Whether you’re nervous about a cleaning and checkup, a restorative treatment, or even a cosmetic or emergency procedure, dental sedation could be the key to helping you relax. To learn more about your options, call us today to make arrangements prior to your upcoming appointment by visiting our website or calling us today at 904-280-1200.