Sedation Dentistry 101

Forest Smiles – The Best Dentist in Lynchburg, VA

It is not unusual for people to feel fear when they need to visit a dentist. However, there are some people who experience panic attacks and intense anxiety during these visits. These are the situations where sedation dentistry can help. This specific type of dentistry relies on the use of anesthesia or special pharmaceutical drugs while the dental treatment lasts in order to calm and relax the patients. Sedation dentistry, often called sleep dentistry is a perfectly safe and efficient type of dentistry.

Fear of dentists or dental phobia keeps many individuals away from the dentist’s office. They avoid checkups and even accept pain in their teeth and gums, just to avoid these visits. In this way they are seriously affecting their dental and overall health. Sedation industry is usually used during lengthy dental procedures when patients have to spend hours at the dentist’s office. It is especially recommended for patients that simply can’t manage their movements while the procedure lasts.

There are basically four types of sedation dentistry. The first one is inhalation sedation. This procedure is ideal for those who have mild or moderate fear and anxiety and dentists use it regardless of the length of the treatment. This type of sedation won’t interrupt your everyday activities, so once you are finished you should be able continue with your ordinary activities without any problems.

Next, there is a sedation that relies on oral sedatives. Patients are advised to take these sedatives 30 minutes, one hour or even 12 hours before the procedure begins. They won’t provide any pain relief, so the dentist will have to use the regular anesthetics. If you select this option, you won’t be able to drive in the next 24 hours.

The IV moderate sedation is received through the veins and it acts right away. The dentist can regulate the sedation level at any time. Finally, there is general anesthesia which leaves the patient completely or partially unconscious. Dentist use special medications for this purpose.

Regardless of the type of sedation you get, you will still need the help of numbing medications. Sedation dentistry is useful for those who have very sensitive teeth; those who have serious dental problems; have fear from dental equipment; can’t control their movements completely or had unpleasant experience in the past related to teeth.

Sedentary dentistry may be unavailable for some patients due to their medical condition.