WICHITA DENTIST – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT DENTAL SEDATION
What is Dental Sedation?
Dental sedation uses medication to safely put you at ease during your treatment, allowing your dentist to perform dental work while you remain relaxed and calm.
Why Do People Use Dental Sedation?
Studies suggest that up to 75% of Americans experience fear related to the dentist. People with dental anxiety may avoid necessary dental work, leading to poor oral health and other medical issues associated with periodontal disease. Dental sedation is one way to overcome your fear of the dentist and make sure you maintain a healthy smile.
Who Would Benefit from Dental Sedation?
- People with a sensitive gag reflex
- People who have difficulty getting numb
- People with dental anxiety or fear of needles
- People undergoing long or complex treatment
- People who have difficulty sitting still for a long time
What Kinds of Dental Treatment Can I Have While Sedated?
Anything! We can perform dental cleanings, root canals, extractions, wisdom tooth removal, dental crowns, bridges, veneers, dental implants and dentures while you are sedated.
What Are My Options for Dental Sedation?
Nitrous Oxide – Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is the most common method of dental sedation. You will remain awake and able to hear and communicate, but you will feel giddy and euphoric. Its effects wear off almost immediately as you breathe regular air, allowing you to get back to your daily routine quickly. As a result, you can conveniently drive yourself to and from your appointment.
Oral Sedation – Your dentist will prescribe a pill for you to take an hour before your appointment. Under the effects of oral sedation, you will remain conscious, but you will feel sleepy and relaxed. You may have no memory of your procedure. Oral sedation will wear off within a few hours following the procedure. You will need a friend or family member to drive you to and from your appointment.
IV Sedation – For those patients with longer, more complex procedures, conscious sedation is available. Conscious sedation involves the use of light IV sedation. You will be awake during your procedure, but you will be deeply relaxed. You will need a friend or family member to accompany you as the sedative will take several hours to wear off.
General Anesthesia – While under general anesthesia, you will experience a complete loss of consciousness. You will not see or hear anything, and you will not remember your treatment. A licensed anesthesiologist will administer your general anesthesia. You will need a friend or family member to accompany you as the sedative will take several hours to wear off.
Call our office to schedule your consultation to discuss dental sedation options.
For additional information about dental anxiety and sedation, read our blog post:
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