What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Fear and anxiety toward the dentist and dental treatment are quite common things that we came across. This dental fear puts you in trouble about taking care of your oral health. Modern dentistry now has sedation dentistry to keep you calm in a dentist's chair.

Why Use Sedation?

Sedation is a state of short-term forgetfulness to keep yourself calm and relaxed to undergo dental procedures. Sedation dentistry can benefit people of all ages with fear of visiting the dentist, fear of needles, extreme teeth sensitivity, and those with special needs.

Types of Sedation Used in Dentistry

Based on the severity of dental anxiety, duration of dental procedure, overall health history, and personal requirement, the type of sedation to be used may vary from one person to another. Common sedation types used in dentistry are nitrous oxide, oral sedation, intravenous sedation, and general anesthesia.

• Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide is the lightest form of sedation in dentistry in which a patient is made to inhale the gas through a mask or nosepiece. The dentist controls the dosage of sedation throughout the procedure. Once you inhale the gas, you will feel relaxed throughout the procedure. When the mask is removed, you will be out of the sedation and be able to drive yourself home after the procedure.

• Oral Sedation

Dentists provide oral sedation in the form of a pill before the dental procedure starts. The sedation makes you feel drowsy and fall asleep during the procedure. The sedation temporarily affects your memory and makes you lose your motor skills. After the sedation, you might require help to drive you home.

• Intravenous (IV) Sedation

Intravenous (IV) sedation is used for people with severe dental anxiety and is the deepest form of sedation available. A dentist administers the sedative directly to the bloodstream through a vein while monitoring the person’s vital signs. The patient completely loses their memory of the procedure and falls asleep. The sedation applies to patients who require longer or multiple dental procedures.

• General Anesthesia

Here, deep sedation is delivered to the patient, so that they are unconscious and deeply asleep during the procedure. Also, the patient is unable to respond or feel any pain during the procedure.

If dental fear prevents you from receiving the right treatment at the right time, our experts can help you to be relaxed and provide you with comfortable oral care. Visit us at Rio Rancho Family Dental Care, 4041 Ridge Rock Rd SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124. You can call us at (505) 891-4510.