1211 Park St., Nacogdoches, TX 75961Do you dread visiting a dentist? Does it make you shiver when you feel the need to visit a dentist but cannot take a step ahead just because you are scared of the pain that the treatment might cause?
Don’t worry; we have been there in your place. The thought of not getting treated might harm you in more ways than you can imagine. If you think that sedation is given only in severe cases, we will be glad to inform you that you are highly mistaken. You can ask for sedation even when opting for regular cleaning.
There are various types of sedation. Educate yourself and know which one to seek when you visit a dentist.
Purpose of Sedation
To help patients relax during the dental procedures, medications are provided. Patients are usually awake except for those who are under general anesthesia.
Levels of sedationÂ
Minimal sedation– you will feel relaxed.
Moderate sedation– you might not remember much of the procedure.
Deep sedation – you might doze off during the procedure but can be awakened with a little shake.
General anesthesia– makes you completely unconscious.
Types of Sedation used in Dentistry
The following types of sedation are used in dentistry:
Inhaled minimal sedation. It is a light gas which when inhaled, helps you feel relaxed. It is combined with oxygen through a mask that’s placed over your nose. It will wear off as soon as you are done with your treatment.
Oral sedation. It is taken in the form of a pill. The dentist can control the dose from mild to moderate. It is usually taken an hour before the treatment to work effectively. You might feel dizzy with this kind of sedation.
IV moderate sedation. It is injected through a vein. You can be injected multiple times if needed.
Deep sedation and general anesthesia. You will get medications that will make you unconscious -deeply asleep during the procedure. When under this sedation, you would require someone to pick you up after the procedure.
Regardless of which type of sedation you receive, you’ll also typically need a local anesthetic or a numbing medication at the site where the dentist works in the mouth to relieve pain if the procedure causes any discomfort.