Oral Sedation Dentistry aims to ensure you are comfortable during the dental procedure. This procedure primarily benefits those who feel anxiety before and during dental treatment.
Especially when the treatment is complicated and requires long hours of sitting. This blog will serve as a guide to learning everything about oral sedation dentistry
What is Oral Sedation Dentistry?
Oral sedation is a common technique used to relieve dental anxiety and fear. It can take many forms, including nitrous oxide and intravenous sedation.
Oral sedation is an effective treatment for most patients. However, it can be ineffective for very anxious patients. Those with extreme fears may require more intense forms of sedation, such as IV sedation or general anesthesia.
Benefits of Oral Sedation Dentistry
- Make dental treatment easy.
- Help patients to overcome the fear of treatment.
- With no needles involved, oral sedation makes it simple for the dentist to administer to the patients.
- Though patients consciously respond to the dentist’s commands, they have little or no memory of the procedure after the treatment.
Who Needs Oral Sedation?
Oral Sedation is required for patients who have the following issues:
- Afraid of visiting the dentist
- Suffering from dental anxiety
- Fear of injection or needles
- Excessive sensitive gag reflex
- Uncontrolled movements
Types of Oral Sedation Used in Dentistry
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas,” is a safe and effective sedative that a dentist can use to calm anxiety during a dental procedure. The gas is odorless, colorless, and inhaled through a mask.
When inhaled, it creates a sense of giddiness or euphoria and a feeling of numbness, which can be helpful for patients with mild to moderate anxiety during their appointment. The sedation wears off quickly, so you can drive yourself home after your treatment.
Nitrous oxide is the most common form of oral sedation dentistry used to manage pain and anxiety during dental procedures. It is very mild and does not cause any long-term side effects.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral Conscious Sedation is a safe and effective way for our patients to feel relaxed during dental treatments. It involves the administration of a mild sedative medication in pill form that is taken an hour before your appointment.
This sedative puts you into a state of drowsiness and painlessness. This means you will be able to complete your treatment in one office visit without needing an additional appointment.
Our dentists can also use oral sedation to help young children who may have trouble sitting still during a procedure and would struggle with intravenous sedation. Oral conscious sedation allows the dentist to work without interruption and complete your child’s treatment quickly and efficiently.
Oral conscious sedation can also help young patients with strong gag reflexes or who are particularly anxious and tend to avoid getting dental care. Oral sedation also allows for longer appointments which will reduce multiple appointments necessary to complete your treatment plan.
What is the recovery time?
You will need to wait until your body adjusts to the medications depending on the type of sedation you choose. People usually take 15 to 30 minutes to recover from nitrous oxide treatment and drive themselves home. After oral conscious sedation, patients typically take 24 hours to recover fully.
Conclusion
In conclusion, oral sedation dentistry is a promising way of making dental treatment successful. At Aberdeen Dental Centre, our team will provide safe and effective sedation for your dental procedures.
