Anxiety about seeing a dentist is very common, and even a routine procedure can seem like a nightmare if you have dental anxiety. At Mini Dental Implant Centers of America in Scottsdale, we provide dental sedation to help our patients be able to receive the care they need.
Please keep reading to learn more about the types of sedation we offer. To schedule your free consultation, please call our Scottsdale office today. Dr. Seerat Mann and Dr. Todd Shatkin are highly experienced and deeply caring. We would be happy to take your call.
Types of Dental Sedation Available
Several types of sedation can be used for dental procedures. Sedation can vary in levels. You can receive minimal, moderate, deep sedation, or general anesthesia.
Nitrous Oxide
One of the most well-known types of minimal dental sedation is nitrous oxide. The ADA recognizes it as a safe and effective method to help with dental anxiety and pain levels for dental procedures.
The gas sometimes has a sweet smell but often does not have a scent at all. It is a form of conscious sedation that puts you in a relaxed state for the duration of your procedure.
The known risks of nitrous oxide exposure are for those chronically exposed to the gas, including infertility, neurological deficits, and spontaneous abortion. It is essential to talk to your dentist about the risks of nitrous oxide.
Enteral Sedation
Enteral sedation is moderate dental sedation that can be administered orally or through an IV. Dentists often use this along with nitrous oxide for a better level of relaxation for patients. The most common oral medications used for this type of sedation include Valium or Ativan.
IV Sedation
Another form of moderate sedation can include administering IV medication to help you feel calm and relaxed. This is still a level of sedation that will keep you conscious. You may feel sleepy enough to doze off, but you will be aware.
General Anesthesia
Deep sedation that renders you unconscious for your procedure is general anesthesia, and this can be administered through an IV or through a gas you inhale. General anesthesia is not commonly used for dental sedation unless the procedure is particularly invasive or complex.
Reasons to Use Dental Sedation
Dental anxiety is one of the many reasons you may be considered a good candidate for dental sedation. If you have a lot of pain in your jaw when you have to open it all the way or keep it open for a long time, you may benefit from sedation for specific procedures.
If you gag easily on toothbrushes and floss at home, you may want to have sedation during your procedure to avoid gagging or throwing up.
If the procedure you are going to receive is going to be painful, sedation is often offered.
Lastly, if you have a lot of neck or back pain, you may want to talk to your dentist about dental sedation. Having some level of sedation can make the procedure more comfortable for you. You won’t have to worry about your back or neck pain interrupting your ability to stay in the chair for the entire process.
Why Dental Sedation May Not Be Right For You
Sedation is not going to be suitable for everyone. For one, if you are pregnant, sedation may be out of the question for you. Nitrous oxide, in particular, will be eliminated as an option. If your dental issue is going to affect your health and the health of your fetus, your dentist will weigh the risks of sedation against the dangers of leaving your issue untreated.
Specific health concerns such as diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, or respiratory disease can affect your ability to be a good candidate for dental sedation.
You may need to explore other options if you have known allergies to sedatives.
Your Free Consultation with a Scottsdale Dentist
You may have a lot of questions about dental sedation that our Scottsdale dentist, Dr. Seerat Mann, can easily provide answers to. We would love to get you set up with your free consultation. Give us a call right away.
