Does the thought of getting a tooth cleaning at the dentist fill you with anxiety? Are you especially nervous and fearful when thinking about getting a cavity filled, or root canal? Do you avoid trips to your Monrovia dentist’s office just because you are so afraid of going? If you answered “Yes!” to any of these questions, then sedation dentistry might just be the right option for you. Sedation dentistry uses a few different types of medication to help patients relax and stay calm through various dental procedures. There are several types of sedation dentistry, including:
- Minimal Sedation: With minimal sedation, you are fully awake but able to relax.
- Moderate Sedation (formerly called “conscious sedation”): With moderate sedation, you are still awake and may be able to respond to questions, but you may also slur your words and not remember much of the procedure.
- Deep Sedation: This form of sedation dentistry places you right on the edge of consciousness, but you can still be easily awakened.
- General Anesthesia: Just like if you were getting an operation, general anesthesia puts you in a completely unconscious state.
What Types of Medications Are Used in Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is becoming more popular in Monrovia and beyond, and there are several types of medications that dentists use to sedate their nervous patients. Here’s a list of the more common forms of medication used in sedation dentistry:
- Nitrous Oxide (or “Laughing Gas): This minimal sedation option is breathed in through the nose with a mask on the face. As its name suggests, it causes patients to relax and sometimes laugh. Many patients choose nitrous oxide because it is short-acting, and the effects typically wear off after a few minutes of removing the mask. Additionally, nitrous oxide is the only type of sedation dentistry in which you will be able to drive yourself home after your dental procedure.
- Oral Sedation: This pill, which is typically Halcion and is in the same drug family and Valium, is taken an hour before the dental procedure. The Monrovia patient will still be awake for the dental procedure and will be able to respond to questions, but the sedative makes patients calm and relaxed throughout the process. Oral sedation is usually considered minimal sedation, though a larger dose may be given to produce moderate sedation.
- IV Sedation: With IV sedation, the same medicine that is administered through oral sedation is given to the patient through an IV. The result is a faster acting sedative that keeps patients calm, but awake. Your dentist can also monitor the amount of sedative you are receiving throughout your procedure.
- General Anesthesia: General anesthesia is a strong, fast-acting sedative that typically leaves patients unconscious. Medication can be given to reverse the effects of general anesthesia, but it still may take a while for patients to wake up.
What Sedation Dentistry Options Does Dr. Q Offer?
Dr. Q is well educated in all forms of sedation dentistry and has decided to offer her Monrovia patients nitrous oxide and oral sedation. Nitrous oxide is the only sedation dentistry option provided to pediatric patients, though.
How Do I Get Sedation Dentistry At My Next Dental Procedure?
When you call Dr. Q in her Monrovia office to schedule an appointment, tell the phone receptionist that you would like to use sedation dentistry. Dr. Q will then be prepared to discuss with you the different types of sedation dentistry options she provides, and the pros and cons of both. If you’re ready to finally relax in that dental chair and stop putting off needed dental work, due to anxiety, schedule an appointment with Monrovia dentist Dr. Q today at (626) 599-9818.
