By Grant Mya
If a person experiences dental anxiety or fear, he may have avoided going to the dentist for a long time. However, neglecting oral health can have serious consequences, such as tooth decay, gum disease, tooth loss, and even systemic infections. Fortunately, there is a solution that can help overcome dental phobia and get the treatment needed: Sedation dentistry Seattle. The term “sedation dentistry” describes using various medications or techniques to reduce or eliminate pain, discomfort, and anxiety during dental procedures.
Types of Sedation Dentistry
Depending on the level of fear, the type of procedure, and medical history, one may choose from different types of sedation dentistry, such as:
- Nitrous oxide: one breathes this colorless gas through a nose mask. It makes him feel relaxed, calm, and sometimes euphoric. It is also known as “laughing gas” because it can make one laugh. Nitrous oxide is the most common and mild form of sedation dentistry. It takes effect within minutes and wears off quickly after a person stops breathing. One can drive to and from the appointment and resume normal activities immediately. Nitrous oxide is safe for most people, including children, adults, people with asthma, and nursing women.
- Oral sedation: A person takes this pill an hour before the appointment. It belongs to a class of medications called benzodiazepines, such as Triazolam (Halcion) or Lorazepam (Ativan). Sedation dentistry Seattle can make people drowsy, sleepy, and less aware of their surroundings. He may even fall asleep during the procedure but can still be awakened if needed. A gentler type of sedation is oral sedation, which can help cope with longer or more complex procedures. However, one will need someone to drive them to and from the appointment and stay with them until the effects wear off. He may also experience some amnesia and not remember much of the procedure.
- IV sedation: This injection delivers medication immediately, injecting medication into a vein in the arm, bloodstream, or hand. It is the fastest and strongest form of sedation dentistry that can make one feel deeply relaxed or unconscious. One will not feel pain or discomfort or remember the operation. IV sedation is usually reserved for more invasive or extensive procedures, including dental implants or wisdom tooth removal. Special training and equipment are required to administer it safely. One will need someone to drive to and from the appointment and monitor for several hours afterward. One may also experience side effects like nausea, dizziness, or headaches.
Sedation dentistry Seattle can be an excellent option for people with dental anxiety or fear, but it is not for everyone. Before deciding to use sedation dentistry, one should consult the dentist about medical history, allergies, medications, and other factors affecting eligibility or safety. He should also discuss the benefits, risks, costs, and alternatives of each type of sedation dentistry with the dentist.
Conclusion
The safe and efficient sedation dentistry method helps overcome dental anxiety or fear and provides the dental care one needs. Whether one chooses nitrous oxide, oral sedation, or IV sedation, one can expect a comfortable and painless experience from the dentist. However, sedation dentistry is only suitable for some, so one should consult his dentist before using it. One can check online pages to find a dentist who provides sedation dentistry.
