Good Teeth: They Don't Have to Be in Your Genes

Dental procedures such as root canals can cause pain, which is why many people develop anxiety and phobia for dental treatments. The fear can interfere with treatment, making your dentist work harder than required. Likewise, dental treatment phobia may make you not show up for your dental appointment. This may lead to further progression of your dental problem, leading to tooth loss. Fortunately, dental sedation helps patients relax and endure the entire treatment process. However, dental professionals utilize different sedation techniques based on your needs. Here are the three sedation techniques dentists utilize.

Nitrous Oxide

Laughing gas (nitrous oxide) dental sedation entails administering the gas to the patient via a mask, and the effects show almost instantaneously. The dentist controls the gas amount he administers to ensure you inhale the correct amount. However, the procedure type and length influence the amount of laughing gas you inhale. For instance, you'll inhale more nitrous oxide for extended and painful procedures like root canal treatment.

Generally, the sedation outcomes are mild as you remain conscious until your doctor finishes treatment. Thus, this sedation technique is ideal for patients with a mild phobia. Besides, nitrous oxide effects subside when you stop inhaling the gas. Hence, you can continue with your day's errands after leaving your dentist's office.

Oral or Pill Sedation

Oral sedation entails the prescription of a pill by your dentist a short period before treatment starts. Likewise, dentists prescribe sedation syrup for children. The dental sedation dosage can be low or moderate, based on your anxiety levels. Moderate sedation has more significant effects, and you won't remember much of your dental experience even though you'll be conscious. Thus, the moderate dosage is ideal for dealing with extreme anxiety.

The pill effects include sleepiness, but you can engage your doctor during treatment. However, since the sedation effects subside after some time, you'll need to rest after your appointment until you become fully conscious.

IV Dental Sedation

Intravenous (IV) dental sedation works fast as dentists use an IV line to transfer the sedative to your blood. The technique is fast-acting, and you may sleep or fail to remember the events that occur during your dental appointment. Therefore, this dental sedation method is ideal if you require moderate to deep sedation usually because of intense dental phobia. Your doctor will also check your vital signs like breathing and adjust the dosage accordingly.

The three types of dental sedation include nitrous oxide, intravenous, and pill sedation. Understanding these dental sedation methods will help you get dental treatment more confidently.