Sedation dentistry refers to the use of medication that will help you relax during your dental treatment. These medications are typically used on patients that feel nervous about their dental treatment and may be administered orally or by intravenous (IV) injection.
The medications that your Dentist in Livermore, CA, may prescribe will help you relax during your dental procedure. The effects of sedation dentistry will vary for each person. Some patients may become groggy while others remain awake and may experience little to no memory of their dental treatment. Your dentist may also prescribe these medications for procedures such as oral surgeries, root canals, and dental implants. The benefits of sedation dentistry include the following:
Dental phobia affects millions of people, making it one of the most common fears on the planet. Fortunately, sedation dentistry offers a safe and effective solution for eliminating your anxiety.
Oral sedation for dental procedures allows you to experience pain-free dentistry. Your dentist can use sedation dentistry techniques to provide so-called “sleep dentistry,” which allows patients to drift in and out of sleep during their dental visit.
Dental sedation reduces pain associated with dental work. It also makes you less aware of your treatment, meaning you’ll experience less discomfort.
Patients who are anxious about their dental appointment can benefit from sedation dentistry. Sedation dentistry also allows patients to complete multiple procedures in one appointment. A patient who receives more than one procedure in one visit will feel less discomfort, as he or she will not have to undergo multiple treatments in a shorter period of time.
Additionally, sedation dentistry allows patients to receive treatments that they may have been avoiding for years due to dental fear. Sedation dentistry allows these patients to receive the care they need without undue stress or discomfort.
Oral sedation involves taking a sedative medication in pill form about an hour before the procedure. Oral sedation is great for patients with moderate to severe dental anxiety. Oral sedation also tends to work well for people with sensitive teeth that cannot handle dental drills.
IV sedation is administered via direct injection into the bloodstream. This form of sedation works quickly, and once it wears off, the patient is awake but has no memory of the procedure. IV sedation can be used for both invasive and non-invasive procedures.
Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is used to calm patients who are feeling anxious before a dental procedure. Administered through a mask placed over the nose, laughing gas provides a light feeling of euphoria and relaxation. While laughing gas rarely has side effects, patients can return to their normal activities immediately after treatment, with no need to follow any complicated recovery instructions.
Local anesthesia is a numbing medication that’s placed directly (and only) in the treatment area. This type of numbing medication prevents pain signals from reaching the brain and stops you from feeling any discomfort. Local anesthesia is generally used during restorative procedures, such as fillings, crowns, and root canals. Local anesthesia is most commonly applied via injection but can also be applied via gel, spray, or ointment.
Your Dentist in Livermore, CA, can help you determine which sedation dentistry option will be the best fit for you. Factors that may be considered include:
Alta Vista Dental provides all the dental services with the expertise of experienced dentists. Call at 925-292-1459 and book your appointment to receive a complete oral checkup.
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