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Going to the dentist may seem like a routine visit for some, however, many people tend to fear dental appointments and avoid them altogether. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, up to 15 percent of Americans worldwide suffer from dental phobia, which is the fear of going to the dentist. It is important to identify the underlying cause of dental anxiety and find ways to manage it, to ensure that oral health is not affected. At Your Dental Story in Berkeley, we offer sedation options to help patients overcome their dental anxiety. Today, we will discuss the different types of sedation options available to dental patients.
Inhalation sedation, otherwise known as laughing gas, is a minimal sedation option that involves breathing a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide through a mask. Laughing gas helps to relax the patient throughout the dental procedure. It is quick-acting and its effects wear off quickly after the procedure is over. Laughing gas is safe and can be used for both children and adults during dental procedures.
Oral conscious sedation involves taking a sedative pill about an hour before the dental procedure. This type of sedation is considered moderate and puts the patient in a relaxed state but still awake and able to respond to the dentist. The effects of oral sedation can last several hours after the procedure, and patients should have a designated driver to take them home.
IV sedation, also known as conscious sedation, is a deep sedation option that involves administering a sedative through an IV line. IV sedation is ideal for patients with severe dental anxiety or for a lengthy dental procedure. During IV sedation, the patient will be in a sleep-like state, and it is common for them to have no memory of the procedure. Patients undergoing IV sedation should also have a designated driver to take them home.
General anesthesia is a deep sedation option that involves putting the patient into a complete unconscious state. This type of sedation is typically reserved for complex procedures or patients with severe anxiety disorders. Patients undergoing general anesthesia should have a designated driver to take them home as the effects can last a few hours after the procedure.
At Your Dental Story, we understand the importance of addressing dental anxiety and offer sedation options to help patients overcome their fear. Our team is trained and experienced in providing safe sedation options, and we will work with you to determine which option is best for your dental procedure. Do not let your dental anxiety get in the way of maintaining your oral health. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss your sedation options.