Sedation dentistry is a form of dentistry that enables patients who have strong anxiety issues to undergo treatment at the dentist without fear. Patients who suffer from this would even suffer from toothache, rather than have a dentist look in their mouths.
Dental anxiety is real, and sedation dentistry or memory free dentistry as it’s also known, can solve your problems.
Here are the three types of sedation dentistry:
- Oral Sedation:This includes pills of different dosages that need to be taken orally. At times, even liquids are given if patients have trouble taking pills. These are ideally given an hour before the appointment to make the patients drowsy. Dr. Hong works with a Board Certified Anesthesiologist to conduct this in the safest manner.
- Inhalation Sedation: For this, patients inhale a gaseous sedative, generally nitrous oxide (laughing gas) mixed with oxygen, through a mask kept over the nose. It helps them relax almost instantly and Dr. Hong can continuously monitor the level of sedative being administered. The effect of gas wears off quickly after the procedure is completed and patients can get back to their regular chores almost instantly.
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- Intravenous Sedation:Here the sedative is administered through a vein directly into the blood stream. The effect of the sedative can be observed almost immediately and dentists can control the amount of sedative being administered throughout the procedure. Dr. Hong works with a Board Certified Anesthesiologist.
To Get The Dental Care You Deserve From An Affordable Dental Care In Goodyear,Arizona. Call JOSHUA HONG DDS Of Goodyear Today at (623) 925-8822 or make an appointment.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry involves administering a small dose of medication orally or through inhaling. It relaxes the muscles and slows your train of thought down. For patients, this is magnificent because they’re still completely awake, yet they’re in a relaxed state of consciousness.
In some cases, patients won’t remember that the procedure happened.
Sedation also couples with a form of local anesthetic to numb the area, further relaxing the patient.
Who is Sedation Dentistry For?
There are many cases where someone may require a sedative to get them through the difficulties of undergoing a dental procedure.
Patients with a gag reflex – Whenever such patients put something in the mouth, they automatically gag. It’s not something they can do anything about, so it makes carrying out dental work impossible.
Low pain threshold – Even the slightest jolt of pain can make a dental procedure impossible for some patients.
Patients who fidget – This is nearly always due to general nervousness of dealing with a dentist.
Some people who have sensitive teeth and can’t stay still when they’re touched.
A large amount of dental work is required. This is simply a problem to do with how long a patient has to remain in a still position. These patients only need sedation during extended procedures.
Is the Procedure Safe?
Sedation dentistry is perfectly safe, as long as the dentist has carried out a proper assessment first. Some people are potentially risking their health with this procedure, but they’re rare.
For example, people who’re obese or have problems with sleep apnea should avoid sedation. In this case, a dentist will investigate the person on a case-by-case basis. Ultimately, the decision is always up to the patient, though.
How does it Work?
The procedure is simple for anyone who’s about to undergo sedation. We’ll walk you through the process so you know exactly what to expect.
1. You will begin by sitting down in the dentist’s chair. At this point, nothing will have happened.
2. The next step is the dentist will prep his equipment. This may come in the form of a gas mask you inhale from, or something you take orally.
3. Now you need to wait until the sedative takes hold. This depends entirely on who you are and what sort of sedative your dentist is using. The dentist will advise you on how long it takes before proceeding.
4. Once you’re under the sedative, the procedure will begin.
5. Whilst you’re undergoing the procedure, your mind will be clear. You may be aware of the dentist working on your teeth, but you won’t feel any form of worry or stress. It will be like sitting in the park.
6. The sedative may take an hour or so to wear off after the procedure. Most dentists recommend you employ someone to bring you home.
Sedation dentistry always has some slight variations, but the broad principle is always the same. As you can see, even the most nervous of patients will soon see this is simple and requires nothing from them.