You might not be the only one out there; many people are uncomfortable with the thought of seeing a dentist, and only because of that, they are ready to bear the pain rather than sitting on a dental chair. But don’t worry, science always has a solution to your problems, and here in the form of sedation dentistry. Sedation dentistry consists of different levels of sedation that dentists use according to the condition and needs of a patient.
Dentists use sedation techniques to either relax the patient before and after a dental procedure or make them calm during long procedures. Dental sedation does not include pain management. Your dentist might give you shots to control the pain. However, if you are afraid of getting the shots, sedation will help you to relax to get them.
Let us have a look at different levels of sedation.
1. Minimal sedation:
Laughing gas is a type of minimal sedation which lets you remain awake but makes you relax during the procedure. You get a nose apparatus to breathe the gas. If you only use laughing gas as a sedative, you are allowed to drive back home after the procedure. It is very safe and is provided in most dental offices.
2. Moderate Sedation:
Also called conscious sedation, is in the form of a pill or liquid that you take orally before the procedure. It is beneficial for patients who are highly anxious. Although you are awake during the dental procedure, most patients remember very little or nothing about the appointment after that.
3. IV Sedation:
This type of sedation makes you very sleepy, and you may not remember anything regarding the procedure once it’s over. You are not unconscious; therefore, the dentist can wake you up if needed.
4. General Anesthesia
Only patients who require major dental surgery or are afraid to receive other types of sedation require general anesthesia. It makes you completely unconscious.
If you are wondering about what type will be best for you, call Bayside Dental and Orthodontics on 979-330-4113 and discuss it with our experts.