If you feel anxious or dread about your dental appointment, you are not alone. Many of our patients suffer from dental anxiety. While it is acceptable to fear an imminent procedure, severe anxiety can sometimes lead to canceled appointments and the greater risk of developing complications linked with deteriorating oral health.
It would help if you did not fear visiting the dentist. At Ygnacio Dental in Walnut Creek, CA 945961, we provide various sedation dentistry options to help you feel safe and relaxed during any procedure so we can provide the oral health care your smile needs.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation density offers relaxation to the patients during dental procedures by utilizing suitable medications. The sedation techniques used would vary from patient to patient. The most preferred type of sedation is oral sedation. In addition, there is nitrous oxide, IV sedation, and general anesthesia.
Who Would Need Sedation Dentistry
Patients suffering from dental anxiety display one or more of the following symptoms:
- Sensitive gag reflex
- Dental anxiety or fear
- Sensitivity to smells and sounds
- Fear of needles
- Needs extensive treatment
What Are the Different Types of Sedation?
Based on the dental work needed, an appropriate sedation procedure will be used, including:
Oral Sedation
The most established sedation technique is oral sedation and is also called conscious sedation. It involves the consumption of a prescribed dose of the sedative before you undergo the dental procedure.
You will be asked to take the drug at least one hour before the dental work. During the dental process, you will be aware of the proceedings while providing you the much-needed relaxation. This technique is highly recommended for patients struggling hard with dental anxiety.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide is another popular sedation technique widely used by dental professionals to help patients relax. Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide enables you to remain calm while undergoing dental procedures. This sedative is administered by attaching a nose mask through which the patient has to inhale the gas. A patient can remain conscious when inhaling the laughing gas and it will wear off quickly after the gas has been turned off.
IV Sedation
IV sedation is given directly into the bloodstream of a patient. With this sedation technique, you will remain conscious, though you will have a blurred memory of your surroundings. In other words, this sedation technique can give you a sleepy experience. You will doze off during the procedure and wake upon completion. As a precautionary measure, you should arrange for someone to drive you back home.
If you want to know more about sedation dentistry options, visit Ygnacio Dental, at 1766 Lacassie Ave # 101, Walnut Creek, CA 945961, or call us at (925) 280-2848 and schedule an appointment.