Sedation dentistry helps make dental operations less intimidating by using mild doses of sedation that allow people to remain awake while feeling relaxed. Due to its short-term amnesia effect, sedation dentistry is sometimes called “twilight sleep” or conscious sedation dentistry and allows patients to become less sensitive to pain without losing awareness.
As long as a certified dentist administers it, sedation dentistry is safe. Patients can rely on their dentist to monitor physical symptoms and adjust the sedative dosage.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is a dental technique professionals use to help patients relax during dental procedures. It involves sedatives to calm patients’ nerves and reduce pain and discomfort. Sedation dentistry is perfect for people with dental phobia or anxiety, those with a low pain threshold, or those undergoing extensive dental work; visit this page for more information.
What Procedures Can You Use It For?
Sedation dentistry can be used for any oral procedure, like wisdom tooth extraction. It is also used for patients with special needs or requiring multiple procedures in one sitting.
What Types Are There?
There are three types of sedation dentistry:
Nitrous oxide
Nitrous oxide is an inhaled, colorless, odorless gas that provides mild sedation and relaxes patients during procedures.
Oral sedation
This typically involves taking a pill or liquid medication to feel drowsy and relaxed before the procedure. Adjustments to sedation levels can be made according to each patient’s unique needs.
IV sedation
The level of sedation dentistry that is deepest is this. The patient receives it through an intravenous line while awake yet relatively calm. IV sedation is typically used for more difficult operations or patients with a great deal of dental anxiety.
Which Is Harmless?
All three types of sedation dentistry are safe and effective when administered by a trained professional. Nitrous oxide is considered the safest, as it wears off quickly, and the patient can resume normal activities immediately. Oral and IV sedation are also safe but require more monitoring during and after the procedure. Consult a trusted professional like the best dentist in Greenville, SC, for more details.
Are There Side Effects?
As with any medical procedure, sedation dentistry may have potential side effects; however, these are usually minimal when performed by trained professionals. Common side effects from dental procedures may include drowsiness, nausea, and headaches which will generally resolve themselves shortly after the completion of the process.
When Is Each Type Used?
Nitrous oxide can help relieve mild dental anxiety or help patients relax during routine dental cleanings. At the same time, oral and IV sedation may be more appropriate in more complex procedures, like extractions or root canals. IV sedation should only be considered when required for extensive dental work or severe anxiety issues.
Is It Expensive?
The cost can vary based on the type of sedative chosen and the procedure length. Oral conscious sedation in the US costs $250 to $500 per hour. A moderate to a deep level of sedation is achieved with IV dental sedation, which can cost between $500 and $900. Nitrous oxide gas and light sedation typically cost between $200 and $300.
The price of sedation dentistry does not include the price of the actual dental procedure. Patients should contact the company to determine if their dental insurance covers sedation dentistry.
Conclusion
Patients who experience dread or anxiety when visiting the dentist will benefit significantly from sedation dentistry. It is safe and can be utilized for all dental procedures. Sedation makes you feel more relaxed during dental procedures to enhance oral health and quality of life.
