If you have dental anxiety, you may feel like you’re alone—but in reality, you’re far from it. In fact, dental anxiety is common in both children and adults. Some estimates find that somewhere between 50% and 80% of all American adults have dental anxiety, ranging from mild to severe.
There’s no shame in feeling uncomfortable when visiting the dentist, but it doesn’t have to stop you from receiving the care you need.
One of the best ways to deal with dental anxiety is to take advantage of the available dental sedation options. Dental sedation can help relieve discomfort and allow you to feel more relaxed while you undergo your procedure. Take a look at some of the best options available to you.
Who might be a good candidate for sedation dentistry?
There are more than a few reasons someone might consider dental sedation for an upcoming procedure. You might be a good candidate for sedation dentistry if you:
- Have a strong gag reflex
- Need a long and complex procedure
- Are particularly sensitive to pain
- Have a medical condition
- Are not responsive to local anesthesia
- Suffer from dental anxietyÂ
Your dentist may provide you with dental sedation even if the procedure you’re having doesn’t always call for it. Be sure to speak with the team about your dental sedation options before your appointment or during your consultation, and they’ll let you know what’s available to you.
Dental Sedation Options
Depending on the procedure, you’ll have a few different options for dental sedation to choose from, including:
1. Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation is a simple form of sedation dentistry that involves certain types of anxiety-relieving medications. Often, you’ll be given a benzodiazepine, such as triazolam (Halcion) or diazepam (Valium), but there are other medications that are offered. This form of sedation relaxes you, but you’re still awake and able to respond to questions.
2. Laughing Gas
Laughing gas, or nitrous oxide, is a common type of sedation dentistry that helps the patient to relax while they’re undergoing a procedure. One benefit of laughing gas is that it wears off quickly, which means you won’t need to have someone drive you to and from the dentist’s office when you receive treatment.
3. IV Sedation
IV sedation is generally only administered during more lengthy and complicated procedures. It involves the administration of a sedative through an IV. The patient will be unconscious throughout the procedure so there’s no discomfort or anxiety while they receive treatment.
The Advantages of Sedation Dentistry
Knowing that you will feel no discomfort will not only allow you to relax during your procedure, but it will also help to calm your nerves before your visit. Many people put off dental work because they’re nervous about any possible pain or discomfort. Sedation can ease your mind and allow you to prioritize your dental health without fear.
But sedation doesn’t just help the patient—it will also help your dentist focus on their work. Since it’s difficult to perform any procedure on a nervous, fidgeting patient, sedation can ensure a more efficient process and a better end result.
What to Know Beforehand
Your dentist will prepare you for the day of your procedure. Be sure to follow any instructions they provide you. In general, these instructions may include drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding eating, and wearing a comfortable outfit.
Your dentist may also suggest that you bring some headphones, so you can feel even more relaxed when undergoing a procedure. This only applies to forms of sedation in which you remain conscious, of course.
If you’re undergoing IV sedation, then you’ll want to make sure you clear your schedule for the rest of the day, as you’ll likely feel a bit drowsy, and you’ll be unable to drive.
What happens during and after the procedure?
During your procedure, your dentist will first administer the dental sedation and allow for it to take effect before proceeding with treatment. For oral conscious sedation, your dentist may give you a pill to take before you come in for the appointment.
With laughing gas and IV sedation, on the other hand, you may only experience a brief feeling of sleepiness before the sedation goes to work. You will then wake up in what feels like the blink of an eye with the procedure behind you.
After the procedure, you’ll receive instructions from your dentist on what to be mindful of regarding the sedatives.
Laughing gas wears off quickly, but oral conscious sedation and IV sedation both have lingering effects. You’ll want to be cautious about how these sedatives affect your cognition and motor function, and you’ll need someone to drive you to and from the appointment.
Looking for a local family dentist in Edwardsville, IL?
If you’re in need of a trusted local family dentist that offers dental sedation options to help you feel calm and relaxed during your procedure, turn to the friendly team at Hite Family Dentistry. We take pride in getting to know our patients individually and providing them with personalized care in a comfortable environment. Contact us to schedule an appointment today.
