Sedation For Dental Procedures |
Posted: April 28, 2017 |
Dental phobia is an extremely common fear, and it can be difficult to overcome on your own. Luckily, you can overcome your dental phobia by being sedated during dental procedures. I was introduced to this type of dentistry from a group of dentists in Calgary, AB There are different levels of sedation that you and your dentist can choose from. Minimal Sedation:Some sedatives administered by dentists are quite mild. One drug that is commonly used is nitrous oxide. It is inhaled and only lasts for a short period of time. This ensures that you won't be impaired after leaving the dentist's office. When nitrous oxide is used, you are in a relaxed state but fully conscious state. I have suffered from a slight dental phobia myself, but this medication allowed me to be largely free of anxiety in the dental chair. Many dentists offer nitrous oxide. In fact, it's estimated that two out of three dentists offer it. There also are pills that can keep you fully conscious but relaxed during the procedure. However, these pills may cause impairment for a time after leaving the dentist's office. Therefore, you will likely need to arrange a ride back home from the dentist. Also, you will have to spend some time in the dentist's office waiting for the medication to take effect. Moderate Sedation:Moderate sedation is ideal for people who have a severe dental phobia that isn't easily overcome by simply being in a more relaxed state of mind. It also is ideal for people with a dental phobia who are undergoing longer dental procedures. While moderate sedation won't render you unconscious, you will be in a partially conscious state. In fact, you may not remember much of the procedure. However, some dentists aren't able to administer moderate sedation. Therefore, you may have to shop around for a dentist who is able to administer this level of sedation. Also, it's important to note that there is a higher risk of side effects with moderate sedation than mild sedation. Moderate sedation is often done by administering medications orally. Halcion and valium are often used to produce moderate sedation. Higher doses of these medications are often used for moderate sedation. However, medications for moderate sedation can also be administered intravenously. This makes it possible for the drugs to kick in much faster, and it reduces the wait time for the procedure. High Level Sedation:Stronger sedation can be given in some cases. This is often done if you will be undergoing a painful dental procedure or if you suffer from a particularly serious dental phobia. There are different types of high level sedation that can be utilized. Some types of high level sedation will put you in a deep sleep. This will ensure that you can't be awakened easily. Strong sedatives generally have a long period of after effects. Therefore, you'll have to be driven home from the dentist after taking them. If you need to be heavily sedated for a dental procedure, you might have to seek out a different dentist than you generally go to. General Anesthesia:Most dental procedures don't require general anesthesia, even if you suffer from a serious dental phobia. However, if your dental phobia is exceptionally serious and/or you will be undergoing a particularly long or painful procedure, general anesthesia can be used. With general anesthesia, you are fully unconscious during the procedure and cannot be awakened. Since most dentists view these medications as a last resort, it can be difficult to find a dentist who uses this type of sedation dentistry. Summary:
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