If going to the dentist makes you anxious, you may have questions about sedation dentistry. You are not alone! Many patients worry about the sounds and sensations associated with dental care and need help relaxing in the chair or falling asleep during their treatment.
Sedation dentistry enables patients feeling anxious or fearful about an upcoming treatment to receive medication to help them remain calm and relaxed throughout their visit. At Only Kids Dentistry, we offer oral and intravenous sedation options depending on a patient’s needs. When you receive sedation dentistry, your vital signs will be constantly monitored, and you will be under constant supervision by licensed medical professionals.
At your appointment, you will be provided with a specialized medication that relaxes and renders you completely unaware of anything happening around you. Your dentist will administer the medication and monitor you throughout the process to ensure everything goes smoothly. Dentists who practice sedation dentistry have taken the proper training to ensure your safety and make you as comfortable as possible during your treatment.
Types of Sedation Dentistry
Nitrous Oxide
Commonly known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is used in low doses during a dental visit to help patients feel at ease and relaxed during their procedure. Patients will often breathe in a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen through a mask that fits over the nose. This induces a state of relaxation and even euphoria while allowing the patient to remain alert enough to respond to hand signals and other instructions from the dentist throughout the procedure. The effects of nitrous oxide wear off quickly after removing the mask, so no additional recovery time is necessary after the process is complete.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedatives are taken one hour before your appointment. These medications are taken by mouth and are formulated to relax you throughout your treatment. However, patients should avoid driving after oral sedation due to the medication’s side effects.
IV Sedation
For patients who are more severely anxious or are about to undergo more complex procedures, we offer IV sedation. As the name implies, the sedative is administered directly into the vein through an IV needle. The sedative takes effect quickly and the level of sedation can be controlled by the dentist.
The Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
- It minimizes the gag reflex that many patients experience when undergoing dental procedures.
- It helps patients remain still and at ease throughout the procedure.
- When patients can relax, they are less likely to move during treatment, which could make the procedure less effective. In addition, patients who remain calm are more likely to receive ideal outcomes after dental treatments.
If you are interested in learning more about how sedation dentistry can ensure your safety and make your treatment more comfortable, speak to your dentist today! Only Kids Dentistry may be reached at 239 E San Marnan Dr, Waterloo, IA 50702, or 211 E Bremer Ave, Waverly, IA 50677. Call our Waterloo office at (319) 234-2227 or our Waverly office at (319) 352-4427 to schedule an appointment at your selected destination.
