Dental sedation may be an option if you are afraid of going to the dentist. In this post, our InHarmony Dental Care team discusses dental sedation and how it feels.
What is dental sedation?
Dental sedation uses medication, usually taken orally or inhaled, to help patients relax during dental appointments. There are normally three different types of sedation: oral nitrous oxide, and IV. At InHarmony Dental Care, we offer oral sedation and nitrous oxide.
Patients who are extremely nervous about dental procedures, require complex treatment, or have a severe gag reflex may benefit from sedation. Before recommending sedation, your dentist will review your medical history to ensure that you are in good enough health to be sedated.
What is nitrous oxide?
Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is an inhaled gas that can help to reduce stress and anxiety. Because everyone is different, the gas levels can be easily adjusted to meet your needs throughout your appointment.
What is oral sedation?
Oral sedatives are available in the form of liquids or pills. These medications can be taken the night before an appointment to help you sleep better or one hour before your appointment to help you relax before and during treatment.
How does it feel to be under sedation?
Dental sedation is a technique for reducing anxiety and pain during dental procedures. Regardless of how sleepy you are, you will be conscious and able to communicate with your dentist and respond to instructions throughout your treatment. If you do happen to fall asleep, a gentle shake should wake you up.
With conscious oral sedation, typically, patients have little recollection of the procedure. After being sedated with oral sedation, many patients report having a conscious dream. Oral sedation usually allows for a faster recovery than general anesthesia.
Our team will monitor you during your treatment to ensure your safety at all times.
Can I drive myself home after having dental sedation?
You should have a trusted friend or family member drive you to and from your sedation appointment. Although sedation has a short duration, you may be drowsy enough to drive. Because oral sedation can take several hours to leave your system, discuss when you can resume driving with your dentist.
Don't let dental phobias or anxiety prevent you from receiving the necessary care. By determining whether you are a candidate for dental sedation, our dentists can help you decide whether to use IV or oral sedation for your procedure. Remember that oral sedation should work similarly to nitrous oxide.