Our Gainesville dentistry practice offers a number of different forms of dental sedation, including nitrous oxide, IV sedation, oral sedatives, and general anesthetic. We understand that dental care anxiety is an issue for some patients, so our dentist and technicians with Comprehensive Dental Care work to alleviate dental anxiety by always providing excellent care and comfortable services & procedures.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation therapy refers to the use of sedation during dental treatment. Sedation is most commonly used during extensive procedures, for patients with dental phobia, and for patients who find it difficult to sit still during dental treatment. Sedation can range from the use of nitrous oxide to calm a patient to general anesthetics used to put patients to sleep. Contact our Florida DMD to discuss the options for sedation during your dental procedure.
Common Types Of Sedation In Dentistry
Sedation for dental procedures may be administered in a number of ways, including oral sedatives, intravenous sedation, and sedation with nitrous oxide.
Intravenous (IV) Sedation
Intravenous sedation, or IV sedation, delivers sedative medication via injection into the blood vessels of the hand or arm. IV sedation is both safe and effective and may be required for more intensive dental procedures, such as tooth extraction and oral surgery. We do not currently offer this service in our office, but we work with specialists who do offer this type of sedation.
Oral Sedatives
Sedation with oral sedatives is one of the most common forms of sedation dentistry to help quell patient anxiety and dental phobia. Oral sedation dentistry maintains patient consciousness to help ensure safety and cooperation. Sedatives include tranquilizers and anti-anxiety medication.
Nitrous Oxide
This form of anesthesia is often referred to as laughing gas. Nitrous oxide is delivered to the patient through a nasal breathing mask. Sedation through nitrous oxide is fast-acting and results in no side effects following the procedure.
Who Is Sedation Therapy For?
Patients with dental phobia, low pain tolerance, major dental treatment, physical handicaps or strong gag reflexes may require sedation during dental procedures. The following types of cosmetic procedures, restorative procedures, and therapy procedures may require sedation.
How Do I Ask My Dentist About Sedation Therapy?
If you suffer from dentist anxiety, contact our office. We want you to receive proper dental care.
We can set up an initial dentistry consultation, where you can discuss with your dentist whether sedation is right for you. During this appointment, your dentist may ask you questions about your medical history and any medications you may be taking. Once your dentist has assessed the situation and gathered all necessary information, they can recommend a sedative type that works best for your individual dental needs. Call today to schedule!
What Should I Expect After Sedation Therapy?
Sedation therapy allows patients to feel calm and relaxed during their dental procedures. Once the treatment is over, you may experience side effects such as drowsiness and dry mouth. The sedative type that you received will influence your recovery time. Nitrous oxide allows for the quickest recovery time – patients can resume normal activities 15 to 30 minutes after their appointment. On the other hand, if you received IV or oral sedation, it may take you about 24 hours to fully recover. You should plan for a family or friend to drive you home after your sedation. At home, it is important to rest as the sedative wears off.
You are allowed to eat and drink immediately after your dental treatment. However, you may need to temporarily stick to consuming soft foods and clear liquids. As time passes, you should be able to eat normally within a week of your sedation therapy.