You may have heard a lot about sedation dentistry recently. It is appealing to many patients, especially those who have fears about dental treatments. Visiting the dentist may not be the most exciting event in your life, but these appointments are important. You should not avoid seeing the dentist because you are worried about the pain you may feel during a procedure. Thanks to sedation methods, you can avoid these feelings altogether.
It is not uncommon for people to worry about the pain they may feel during a dental process. Traditionally, dentists will give the person a shot in the gum near the affected teeth to numb the area. This shot has a local anesthetic and is typical before the dentist fills a cavity, does a root canal, or places a crown. The shot itself can be uncomfortable, but the numbing effects should last well beyond the time of the procedure.
With sedation, the dentist can help the patient feel calm before even getting the anesthetic shot. It may be useful for longer restorative care such as implant placement. Younger patients may prefer it, as may people with certain anxiety disorders. The dentist can use a variety of methods to deliver the sedation.
This has long been used to help patients relax and feel calmer during an invasive procedure. Many parents choose this for children who need a cavity filling or root canal. The dentist delivers the gas (nitrous oxide) through an apparatus placed on the patient’s nose. The patient breathes in the gas, and the effects can begin within less than a minute. The gas does not render the person asleep but can minimize discomfort.
Recently, dentists have begun using IVs as a form of sedation dentistry. The IV can deliver general anesthesia to the patient. This type may be a good option for people who need an involved oral surgery. Other intravenous sedations do not make the person unconscious. Still, this method makes the patient sleepy and possibly forgetful of the dental treatment or surgery.
Patients can also elect to take a pill for their sedation dentistry option. The person will stay awake during the procedure, but the effects make the individual relaxed and unable to feel any pain. The dentist may give the patient a pill the night before the visit and an hour before. The patient may continue to feel drowsy for the next several hours after the dental appointment. Someone else should plan to drive the patient home.
If you are among the many patients who worry about pain and discomfort at the dentist’s office, try sedation dentistry. One of these three options could suit your needs and help you feel more at ease during your appointment. Talk to a dentist near you about which type of sedation makes the most sense for you. Do not put off an important treatment any longer because you have some fears or anxieties.
Request an appointment here: https://www.livermoredentalspaca.com or call Livermore Dental Spa at (925) 344-3993 for an appointment in our Livermore office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Sedation Dentistry in Livermore, CA.
In need of a dental deep cleaning and wondering what to expect? General dentistry focuses on ensuring patients' mouths are healthy, which includes deep cleanings. Knowing what to do before and after a deep cleaning helps to support a healthy mouth.Want to understand why a dental deep cleaning is necessary? Also known as scaling and…
Invisalign® aligners offer a discreet and convenient alternative to traditional braces. These aligners allow individuals to straighten their teeth without the hassle of wires and brackets. However, as with traditional braces, it is important to properly care for them to ensure their effectiveness and longevity throughout your treatment. Here are some essential tips to help…
With Invisalign®, people who want a more inconspicuous alternative to braces now have a solution. Invisalign's transparent aligners provide a discreet and effective treatment for misaligned teeth. However, it is not the best option for everyone. This article goes over the basic eligibility criteria for Invisalign.Invisalign is a modern orthodontic treatment that involves a series…
Those seeking a straighter smile who would like to avoid treatment with braces have another option, thanks to Invisalign®. This clear aligner system discreetly and conveniently addresses many tooth alignment issues. Though many prefer Invisalign to braces, for this reason, these clear aligners are not for everyone. If you are considering Invisalign, here is an…