If the thought of sitting in a dental chair makes you sweat, your heart race, and your body numb with fear, you may want to keep reading this post from your sedation dentist in Montrose. Not only can your dentist put you at ease, but they can do it safely, regardless of the intensity of your fear or anxiety.
There are multiple ways sedation dentists help patients get the treatments they need, and you are no exception! Learn how they do it today!
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
Sedation dentistry is completely safe, as long as the proper precautions are taken prior to treatment. For example, patients who are obese or suffer from obstructive sleep apnea should mention it to their dentist first because they may be at higher risk of experiencing complications. With that being said, when administered by a trained and qualified dentist, you can expect sedation to be smooth and successful.
Prior to treatment, your dentist will make sure to:
- Confirm your eligibility for sedation by going over your medical history and current medications
- Confirm which form and dosage is best for your needs
- Go over any potential risks before the procedure
- Monitor your vitals as well as confirm your comfortability during treatment
Who Can It Benefit?
While many people are eligible for sedation, the most common group is patients who suffer from fears or anxiety while undergoing dental treatments, including younger patients. It’s common for patients to barely remember much of the treatment after completion, which makes it much easier to perform future treatments as well.
Other patients who can benefit from sedation include those with:
- A low pain threshold
- A bad gag reflex
- Sensitive teeth
- An inability to sit still in the dental chair
- Large amounts of dental work to complete
- Special needs or cognitive/physical impairments
What Types of Sedation are Offered?
When you visit your sedation dentist in Montrose, you can expect three different types of sedation to keep you calm and relaxed during your treatment. They include:
- Nitrous Oxide – The most common form of sedation available, nitrous oxide is administered through a nasal mask at the start of the procedure. The amount of gas can be adjusted on the fly and is ideal for patients with mild levels of anxiety or difficulty receiving treatment. Once treatment is complete, patients can easily drive back home since the effects wear away quickly.
- Oral Conscious – This form is taken in a pill the day before and the day of treatment. It’s intended for patients with moderate levels of anxiety and difficulty, meaning you’ll want to have a ride from a family member or friend planned after treatment is finished.
- Intravenous (IV) – Reserved for patients with severe anxiety, IV sedation is an advanced method that offers the best aspects of both nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation. It also requires patients to organize a ride back home.
With so many options, there’s no reason to skip necessary dental treatments, no matter how simple or complex. Schedule an appointment with your dentist today to get started!
About the Author
Dr. Shane J. Bowen has advanced training in sedation dentistry to help patients with all levels of anxiety or fear of dental treatments. Ever since he earned his dental degree from the Baylor College of Dentistry, he’s been practicing for over 14 years with no signs of slowing down. To learn more about his practice, contact him through his website.