Sedation Dentistry: Can a Person Really Relax in the Dentist’s Chair?
Everyone has something they fear or dread. For you, it may be a visit to the dentist near you. You may be very anxious about going to the dentist and can never relax, even for simple processes. The awesome news is that you no longer have to avoid or fear visiting dental offices. Just search for a dentist that provides sedation dentistry near you.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
It is the use of medication to calm patients with dental phobia when at the dentist. A dental professional administers the sedatives to help patients relax and allow treatment. Sedation dentistry is also used for patients undergoing long invasive dental procedures. The medicine helps them not to get overly tired during treatment.
Dentists recommend sedation for patients who cannot sit still during dental processes. They include children and adults who are overly active. In addition, sedatives are combined with analgesics for patients with low pain tolerance. The dentist uses them to ensure the patient receives top-notch dental treatment.
There are four levels of sedation in dentistry. The first one is minimal sedation, where you remain awake but relaxed. Moderate sedation is the level at which you are conscious but sluggish. You will not remember any stage of the process afterward. Deep sedation is the level where by you are hardly conscious. Finally, in general anesthesia, you are fully unconscious.
The dentist in Murfreesboro uses different sedation levels. The choice depends on the individual’s anxiety and procedures. For example, patients undergoing a simple process will receive minimal sedation. On the other hand, individuals having invasive treatments need maximum sedation. This includes deep sedation or general anesthesia.
The Types of Sedation Used in Dentistry
Dr. Erwin M. Ricafort provides various sedation dentistry options for their patients. They include:
- Inhaled Minimal Sedation
It is a minimal level of sedation whereby the dentist combines laughing gas with oxygen. The gases are administered through a mask attached to the patient’s nose. Your dentist will manage the sedation levels to keep you relaxed during treatment. Afterward, you may go home or to work without assistance since the effect of the sedation gases dissipates fast.
- Oral Sedation
This type of sedation involves the administration of pills that causes drowsiness. A single tablet is used for minimal sedation. The dose can be increased to achieve moderate sedation. You will take the drug an hour before the treatment for it to induce drowsiness or sleep in time for treatment. Once the procedure is over, the dentist will gently shake you awake.
- IV Moderate Sedation
IV moderate sedation provides a higher level of sedation than oral or gas sedation. A dentist administers IV sedation intravenously or through the patients’ veins. This method allows the sedative to work faster since it goes straight to the blood. It also helps the dentist adjust the level of sedation as necessary during the process.
- Deep Sedation and General Anesthesia
Deep sedation and general anesthesia involve using medications to make the patient unconscious. The patient will remain unaware until their dentist reverses the effects of the sedatives or the drugs wear off. As a result, you will remain groggy after treatment. Therefore, someone must take you home and assist you for a few hours.
These levels of sedation are only provided by a specially certified dentist like Dr. Erwin M. Ricafort. This is because the patient is either on the brink of consciousness or fully unconscious. Therefore, they will require a specialist to monitor their vital signs during dental work.
Where to Get Sedation Dentistry
A healthy and beautiful smile improves your appearance and confidence. It also reduces the risk of issues like oral cancer. Therefore, you need to take excellent care of your mouth with the help of a dentist. If you are among the people with dental phobia, you no longer have to skip a dental appointment. Contact our dentist in Murfreesboro for various sedation options.
You can also visit our practice at Ricafort Dental Group-Murfreesboro. We provide sedation dentistry to ensure that patients struggling with dental anxiety relax. When relaxed they can receive excellent treatment. The team is trained and certified to safely and effectively provide sedation dentistry to patients of all ages.