Sedation dentistry is becoming more popular as more people are seeking ways to handle their fears of the dentist, pain, and needles. This type of dentistry uses sedatives to relax you and keep you calm throughout the dental procedure. If you have a fear of the dentist or needles, or how a low pain threshold, you should consider this form of dentistry. There are some general things you need to know about it before your first appointment.
Sedation dentistry uses a variety of sedatives, which could include a mild tranquilizer, anti-anxiety, nitrous oxide, or an anti-depressant. These drugs are not designed to allow you to remain awake, although you will experience some drowsiness. It is this drowsiness that causes some people to call this sleep dentistry. Sleep dentistry is different in that the drugs used are designed to render you unconscious.
The dentist can deliver the sedatives orally, with a needle, or by inhalation. Oral sedatives are fast becoming very popular. During your consultation, the dentist will prescribe a sedative that you take just prior to your visit. Be sure to have transportation to and from your appointment as the sedative will render you incapable of driving.
Another non-needle method of sedative delivery is the inhalation of nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is delivered through a small mask that is placed over the nose for inhalation. This method is also popular and is used in pediatric dentistry. Your dentist will adjust the dosage according to the level of anxiety you express to them and your health status.
You can also have your sedative administered intravenously or even intramuscularly. The sedative is administered via an IV drip under to supervision of a trained professional. The intramuscular sedative is injected directly into the muscle. Your medical history will be carefully scrutinized.
During your initial consultation, be sure to give the dentist your complete medical history. Inform them of any prescriptions you are taking. If you are taking any over-the-counter medicines or herbal supplements, they will need to know that, too. Your dentist will use this information to avoid any possibility of harmful drug interactions.
If you have had a problem in the past or are now currently dealing with an alcohol or drug addiction, your dentist needs to know this. You may be embarrassed or unwilling to share such information, but doing so could possibly save your life. Not only will it prevent drug interactions, it could also prevent possible drug addiction relapses from the narcotic nature of some of the sedatives use.
Your dentist will also ask about your level of comfortableness with dental visits. Make sure you let the dentist know how intense your fear or anxiety is. Then the correct dosage of the sedative can be administered during the procedure. Sedation dentistry has allowed many people who harbor fears and phobias to return to the dentist chair on a regular basis to maintain optimum oral health.