Does the thought of going to the dentist make your teeth ache? Would you rather smile with your mouth shut the rest of your life than walk into a dentist’s office?
You’re not alone! It’s been estimated that 9% to 14% of people avoid going to the dentist because of anxiety or fear. An even higher number of people (1 in 5) will only visit the dentist when absolutely necessary. You know that visiting the dentist on a regular basis is an important part of your oral health care regimen. That’s where sedation dentistry can help.
At Shoreline Dental Studio, we know that anxiety is an unfortunate part of the dental experience, but it’s our job to ease that anxiety as much as possible. That’s why we offer sedation dentistry.
Sedation dentistry, sometimes mistakenly called sleep dentistry, is used to relax patients, and manage fear and pain during dental procedures. There are several different types of sedation dentistry that we use here at Shoreline.
Inhalation Sedation
Sedation in the form of laughing gas is just one method to ease your fears. This light sedation technique increases your pain tolerance, gives you an overall sense of wellbeing, and sometimes causes a mild tingling sensation. If more serious dental work is being done, you will also receive a local anesthetic to numb the area. However, you are fully awake and retain your memory of the procedure being done.
Laughing gas is fast acting, and reaches the brain within 20 seconds of inhalation. The quick-effects of this technique makes it easily adaptable from moment to moment, and doesn’t leave patients with any type of “hangover.”
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation is one of the more common forms of conscious sedation, and ideal for patients experiencing dental anxiety. It can range from minimal to moderate sensation depending on the dosage, which would be based on which procedure you would undergo. It is ideal for belonephobic patients, or patients with a fear of needles and sharp tools, since no needle is necessary to administer it.
With oral sedation, you will feel groggy but are able to respond to questions and commands. Patients often forget the procedure, and feel as if they slept through it.
We direct patients to take the pill in the morning before their appointment so that it hits their system before we perform the procedure. You would be required to have someone drive you to and from the appointment, as it could take awhile for the effects of the drug to wear off.
Intravenous Sedation
Intravenous sedation produces are moderate level of sedation. It causes extreme relaxation and partial or complete memory loss of the procedure. IV sedation can be adjusted throughout the procedure to maintain consistent levels. It also takes effect much more quickly than oral sedation, since it enters your bloodstream directly. You would also need to be driven home from your appointment as it takes a while for the effects to wear off.
Feeling comfortable at the dentists doesn’t have to be a fantasy. At Shoreline Dental, we make it our priority to put even the most nervous patients at ease. If traditional dental sounds bother you, we also offer headphones for a little distraction. Whatever you need, our dental team will go above and beyond for you! Put your fears at ease and schedule an appointment, today!
