It shouldn’t come as a surprise that many patients deal with dental anxiety. This is so common that typically, it is known as white coat syndrome or dentophobia. To ensure patients could get their proper procedures while not feeling stress, many dentists have turned to sedation dentistry. Sedation options are available depending on the severity of anxiety and type of procedure, and is decided on by the dentist. It is important to know that The American Dental Association safeguards sedation dentistry guidelines to keep patients protected. There are different anesthetics your dentist can offer, from laughing gas to IV sedation, here is your guide to how to visit your dentist, anxiety free.
Laughing Gas
Nitrous oxide, commonly referred to as laughing gas, is used as an inhalation anesthetic. This type of anesthesia is used to alleviate anxiety, which in turn allows the patient to feel less pain. Nitrous oxide does not put you to sleep, which makes it a safe method of relaxing a patient, and is provided by most dental offices because of its effectiveness. Laughing gas is used a lot of the time with local anesthetic shots, which numb the area of the mouth being worked on. This reduces pain in the spot where the affected tooth is. The nitrous oxide also allows the patient to feel less of the shot.
IV Sedation
IV sedation, (Intravenous sedation) is an anti-anxiety sedative injected into the vein. This allows a deeper sedation for the doctor and patient, typically used in wisdom teeth extractions. Most patients find themselves falling asleep during this sedation, because of the level of sedative and less aware of the procedure taking place.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation, is an alternative form of sedation for those patients who are terrified of needles. Oral sedation provides am easing experience for the patient, found in the form of a pill or occasionally liquid. Like anesthetic shots, this is commonly used with laughing gas to have an easier procedure.
If you’re part of the patients that deal with dental anxiety, and maybe it has been keeping you from dental procedures, contact our team for assistance. We will provide you with your sedation options, so that you can undergo your treatment and stay on the right track of oral hygiene.
