For some of us, there’s nothing scarier than sitting in the dentist’s chair with your mouth wide open while a dentist performs a procedure. Fear of the dentist is real, and it’s an anxiety that many people face when the thought of that yearly checkup rolls around. Fortunately, the advancement of modern medicine allows more support for those who suffer from dental anxiety.
The Answer to Your “Fear of the Dentist”
Yes, there is a solution to your dentistry fear. Holistic Dentists use sedation dentistry, also known as relaxation dentistry, to calm patients before undergoing oral treatments and dental procedures. There are, of course, various types of sedation dentistry. After consulting with your holistic dentist, you can choose from several options, ranging from mild to deep types of sedation, depending on your level of stress/anxiety/nervousness and your desired comfort level.
Types of Sedation Dentistry
Minimal sedation
You may have heard of laughing gas, which is just a combination of nitrous oxide and oxygen. Laughing gas is the mildest form of conscious sedation dentistry you could receive. This sedative is administered by breathing in through a mask and brings you to a relaxed, euphoric state for a short period. Typically recovery from laughing gas starts as soon as you take off the mask and the effects are almost completely gone within 10 minutes.
Moderate sedation
Moderate sedation dentistry drugs are available with dentist approval. These may be available in a pill, capsule or liquid form. You will still be awake but in a highly relaxed and calm state of mind. This type of sedation dentistry lasts longer than laughing gas, and there are many cases where patients won’t remember much of the procedure, which is ideal for those with more moderate to severe anxiety.
Still considered moderate sedation, IV sedation dentistry (intravenous via needle) sends the sedative through a patient’s system faster and directly to the pain or anxiety receptors much more effective than oral sedation options. Patients can expect similar side effects from IV sedation and oral sedation including, deep relaxation, limited memory of the procedure and a general calm feeling.
Deep sedation
Don’t expect to receive this treatment unless you’re undergoing major surgery or you have high levels of anxiety. Under general anesthesia, a patient can expect to be almost unconscious or completely unconscious using deep sedation dentistry. This sedative can also be in the form of a pill or an IV, and patients wake up remembering nothing from the procedure.
Choose Holistic Sedation Dentistry
Deciding which sedation dentistry option is right for you is a decision you and your doctor will discuss prior to your procedure. Dr. Jim Wright of Four Seasons Dental Spa is a sedation dentist in Las Vegas who uses holistic methods on his patients. You’ll never leave worried about harmful bodily effects from medicines and procedures. For a healthier, holistic approach to dentistry, contact us today.
