Modern dentistry offers a variety of techniques to help patients stay comfortable during dental procedures. Learning more about these techniques can ease patients' concerns about the procedures they need. A sedation dentist uses medication to provide patients with a safe and comfortable dental care experience. Sedation can make necessary dental procedures much easier and is one of several options available to manage pain and anxiety at the dentist's office.
A sedation dentist is available at Colorado Precision Dentistry in Atlanta and the surrounding area. If you need dental work but feel anxious about what it entails, discuss how sedation can address your concerns. A qualified dentist can inform you about various options and make recommendations based on your concerns and medical history. Call us at (303) 481-0565 to schedule an appointment.
As a sedation dentist, we administer nitrous oxide to help patients relax during the treatment. Sedation has the added effect of reducing patient anxiety and their overall awareness of the procedure. In fact, most patients will remember little to no details about the procedure when under the influence of sedation.
WebMD explains that sedation for dental procedures can be mild, moderate, or deep. With mild sedation, most patients remain fairly alert but feel relaxed. Moderate sedation induces a deeper state of relaxation; patients undergoing it may not remember much of the procedure. Patients under deep sedation are still conscious but become drowsy and detached from their surroundings.
Check out what others are saying about our sedation dental services on Google: Sedation Dentist Highlands Ranch
There are several types of medications potentially used in dental sedation. We offer minimal sedation in the form of nitrous oxide gas patients receive through a mask. This type of sedation wears off quickly. Local anesthesia is typically administered for minor restorative procedures such as cavity fillings, tooth extractions, root canal treatments, dental crown placement, and scaling and root planing.
In a study published by the Journal of Dental Hygiene, 19% of the 308 study participants suffered from moderate to high dental anxiety. A sizable part of this group even reported missing appointments because of dental fear. Sedation is one of the effective ways dentists have found to help patients get the care they need. Patients who have been avoiding necessary dental work due to anxiety can find sedation very helpful.
In addition to patients who suffer from nervousness, candidates for sedation may include those who have difficulty sitting for a long time. Some dental procedures necessitate remaining in the chair for a long time with minimal movement. Various physical and mental conditions can make this extremely difficult for some. Other issues where sedation can help include a strong gag reflex or a low pain threshold.
Sedation can help patients get through most types of dental procedures. Preparation is key to making things go smoothly. Taking the following steps can help patients get the dental care they need with minimal pain and anxiety:
If you live in the Highlands Ranch area and throughout Colorado, call (303) 481-0565 to schedule your dental exam so that you can remain in good health or receive treatment for a current condition.
Q. What is a sedation dentist?
Q. How do I begin the sedation dentistry process?
Q. How can I prepare for my dentist appointment?
Q. Which procedures can a sedation dentist help with?
A. Sedation can help with most dental procedures, including fillings. Based on the length of the procedure and other factors, a dentist can recommend an optimal approach for individual patients. Even routine procedures can cause anxiety for some, so sedation is a great option for allaying it.
Q. Can I eat or drink before my appointment with a sedation dentist?
A. Generally, dentists recommend avoiding solid foods and any dairy for at least six hours before the appointment. One should stop drinking liquids at least two hours prior to the procedure. However, the instructions for a specific patient may differ based on the type of sedation and other factors, so it is important to ask the dentist.
Q. Are there any side effects of sedation dentistry?
A. Dentists determine the optimally safe dosage and type of sedation for each patient. There are typically no lasting side effects. However, patients may feel dizzy, drowsy, or nauseous for up to four hours after the procedure. These effects can vary.
Q. What should I wear to a sedation dentistry appointment?
A. It is advisable to wear loose, comfortable clothing. Dressing in layers can help patients stay warm, as body temperature can drop under sedation. Dentists recommend avoiding large amounts of accessories.
Q. Can I take my regular medications before and after a sedation dentistry procedure?
A. In most cases, one should take medications as usual. It is important to let the dentist know about all medications you take. The dentist can then let you know if any changes are necessary on the day of the procedure.
Back to top of Sedation Dentist