Sitting in a dentist’s chair is some people’s worst nightmare. Dentistry is associated will all sorts of horrific things like excruciating toothache, scary-looking equipment, and painful procedures. So is there really a way to make dentistry less terrifying for people? 

Yes, find yourself a sedation dentist. North Dallas, in fact, has a few highly qualified professionals who can perform all kinds of sedation procedures at their offices.  

But what exactly is sedation dentistry? And is it really as effective as it is made out to be? 

What Is Sedation Dentistry? 

Sedation dentistry is a practice that involves the use of a range of sedatives that can help the patient relax and be calm while the dental procedure is underway. The goal of sedation dentistry is to deliver anxiety-free and pain-free treatments to people so they can stop associating fearful triggers with the dentist’s office.  

What Types Of Sedation Are There? 

There is a vast range of sedation available for dental patients, from basic relaxants to procedures requiring general anesthesia, when a patient is completely unconscious while the procedure is in process. The different types of sedation include: 

  • Inhaled Sedation – This is when the doctor makes the patient inhale nitrous oxide to reduce anxiety and apprehension. Nitrous oxide is also commonly known as laughing gas. The dentist will place a mask on the patient’s nose and mouth and administer nitrous oxide through that mask. This type of sedation is effective for the least amount of time and usually wears off by the time the procedure is over.  
  • Oral Pill – This type of sedation can have a moderate or minimal effect, depending on the dose of the drug. The pill is taken approximately an hour before the procedure, making the patient drowsy. Sometimes patients may even fall asleep while on this drug, but it is easy to awaken them again.  
  • IV Sedation – This type of sedation is given through the intravenous route. It is quick-acting, and the dentist controls the level of sedation through the IV.  
  • General Anesthesia is the most effective form of sedation since it makes the patient completely unconscious so that the doctor can perform the procedure. Waking the patient up after the procedure also takes time. Of course, very few procedures require dentists to give general anesthesia to a patient.   

Does Everyone Need Sedation? 

Everyone does not need sedation; however, it is the ideal option for anyone who has a dental phobia or dental anxiety. Other than that, anyone with very sensitive teeth and excruciating toothache can also benefit from sedation.  

Anyone who has a phobia of needles can also benefit from dental sedation since needles are required to administer local anesthesia to the site of operation.  

Anyone with a very strong gag reflex can also benefit from sedation. Many patients are also sensitive to the taste and smell associated with a dentist’s tools and materials, so sedation can help them curb their gag reflex easily.  

Dental sedation is also an ideal option for children. Many children are restless and keep moving during the procedure. Other than that, children are also the most afraid of going to the dentist. Therefore sedation helps them stay still and relieves their dental anxiety.  

However, you will have to find a dentist who specializes in pediatric dentistry and can safely administer sedatives to children. Children are more sensitive than adults, and therefore, some sedatives may not be suitable for them.  

Is It Safe To Be Sedated At The Dentist’s Office? 

Yes, it is safe to be sedated at the Dentist’s Office. In fact, sedative dentistry has been in practice for many decades now, and it has shown promising results so far. There are a few things your dentist must consider before giving you sedatives, though.  

For example, the dentist should be aware of the patient’s medical history in its entirety. They should know if the patient has shown an adverse reaction to a sedative previously or if they are sensitive or allergic to some drugs.  

Sedation is also recommended when people have certain health conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea. In patients with sensitive health conditions, the dentist should consider consulting their medical doctor before sedating them.

To know more about the options you have and where you can find a sedation dentist in North Dallas, contact CR Dental Group or call 972-566-4990 to speak to our experts.