Relaxation on the Dentist’s Chair Through Sedation Dentistry
Some people fear needles, while others can’t stand a dentist working on their mouths during dental exams and cleanings. Such a dental problem might hinder the patient from receiving dental procedures, increasing the risk of further complications.
Most people who suffer dental phobia and anxiety are children. However, even adults might have dental anxiety, which affects their oral health. The dentist near you might provide a kid-friendly environment and encourage parents to accompany them during dental procedures to reduce anxiety.
However, you don’t have to sweat it anymore. Your dentist in Kingwood might recommend sedation dentistry to offer comfort and relaxation during dental procedures.
What Sedation Dentistry Entails?
Sedation dentistry involves inhaling a gas, swallowing a pill, or injecting with the medication. After getting sedation, your dentist might recommend local anesthesia to prevent pain. Sometimes, sedation in dental care is known as sleep dentistry. However, in most cases, you will be awake during the dental procedures, apart from when you are under deep sedation.
Who Is a Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?
Dentists recommend sedation for patients who suffer dental phobia and anxiety, preventing them from seeking professional dental care services.
Your dentist might also recommend sedation dentistry due to the following:
- You have a low pain threshold
- Can’t stay still in the dentist’s chair
- Tooth sensitivity
- Bad gag reflex
- Require a large amount of dental work to be completed in a single dental visit
The dentist can recommend sedation for kids if they are afraid of visiting a dental clinic or can’t cooperate during the dental visit.
Levels of Sedation in Dentistry
The levels of sedation in dental care depend on the mode of administration and the dosage. Therefore, if you consider sedation treatment in Kingwood, you can achieve the following:
Minimal or Mild Sedation
When you receive minimal sedation, you will be awake and conscious. However, you will feel relaxed. Your dentist might recommend such treatments for short and non-invasive dental procedures such as dental exams.
Moderate Sedation
During moderate sedation, you will feel drowsy and relaxed. You might fall asleep sometimes during the dental procedure. However, you can awaken after a shoulder tap or gentle shake.
Deep Sedation
If you have a long and invasive dental procedure, your dentist might recommend deep sedation. During the dental procedure, you will be unconscious and can’t awaken with a gentle tap on your shoulder.
Therefore, it is advisable to organize a ride home since you might still feel drowsy after waking up.
Types of Sedation
Below are some of the types of sedation you can receive at the dental clinic near you:
Inhalation
When administering mild sedation, your dentist might recommend inhalation of nitrous oxide gas. During the inhalation, your dentist will administer nitrous oxide and oxygen through a mask and prevent the gases from escaping into the air.
The gas helps you feel relaxed during the dental procedure. Your dentist will also be in control of the amount of gas you inhale. However, the gas tends to wear off fast.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation entails swallowing a pill to feel relaxed during dental procedures. When getting oral sedation, your dentist might recommend you swallow a pill some minutes before the dental procedure.
In most cases, oral sedation provides moderate sedation depending on the dosage. Therefore, you will feel drowsy and fall asleep sometimes. For mild sedation, you can take half a pill and a larger dose for moderate effects.
Moderate IV Sedation
IV sedation entails injecting sedatives into your bloodstream. During IV sedation, your dentist can regulate the amount of sedatives you get. Therefore, you can receive moderate sedation.
Deep IV Sedation
Deep IV sedation involves the administration of general anesthesia to prevent pain during a dental procedure. In such a scenario, you will be unconscious and might not have a memory of what happened during the dental procedure. Therefore, deep IV sedation might be suitable for people with severe anxiety and dental phobia.
The Takeaway
Sedation alone can’t reduce pain during invasive dental procedures. Instead, sedation provides comfort and relaxation during a dental procedure. At our Houston Oral Healthcare Specialists clinic, the sedation dentist might recommend local anesthesia after offering the sedation treatment in Kingwood. Call us now to book an appointment with our dentist near you. You can also visit our dental clinic near Kings Manor, Parkdale Drive, Woodpoint Drive, Bentford Drive, Cypress Ln, St Andrews Rd, Mystic Trail Loop, Kings Guild Lane, Woodland Hills Village, and surrounding areas. We serve at 1110 Kingwood Dr Ste 105, Kingwood, TX 77339, United States.