Everyone dreams of having that perfectly white and healthy set of teeth that models in toothpaste commercials usually have. However, there is one thing that keeps many from making this dream a reality, the fear of the dentist’s chair. In fact, there are millions of Americans who will only visit the Dentistry only when they cannot withstand a toothache, and fear that they will die. If you are one of these people, maybe you have not asked your dentist what options there are to deal with the fear. One of the best ways to deal with a dental phobia is having your procedures done at a place where they offer sedation dentistry.
What is sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is a practice which is designed to help people relax and feel at ease when oral procedures are being performed on their teeth. There are several levels of sedation which are available at dental practices where they offer the service. Here is a breakdown of the different levels of sedation which you can get:
- Inhaled and minimum sedation: this is the lowest level of sedation that you can get. It is commonly offered to people that have general dental anxiety but no serious dental problems. A gas mask with Nitrous oxide or what is known as laughing gas will be placed over your nose and mouth and as you inhale the gas, you will experience a relaxing feeling and things will become woozy. This will allow the dentist to work without your fear and panic getting in the way.
- The sedative pill: This is a little bit more serious than laughing gas. The dentist will give you the pill and instruct you to take it about an hour before the procedure, which means that you have to get someone to drive you to the dentist’s. You will most likely fall asleep during the procedure and since the effects of the pill do not wear off as fast as the laughing gas, you will also need someone to drive you home afterward.
- IV moderate Sedation: It is the third type of sedative available at a dental office. Here, an IV tube is attached to your arm throughout the sedation process and the dentist will keep adjusting the amount of sedative that you need throughout the procedure. You will need someone to drive you home after IV sedation.
- General anesthesia: This is the highest level of sedation which you will get. It is only used when complex procedures such as oral surgery and at times, dental implants are being made. The great thing is that you will be totally asleep during the entire procedure and you will not feel anything throughout the process. You will however need someone to drive you home after the procedure.
Those are the options which are available when it comes to sedation dentistry.
Benefits of sedation dentistry with South Tulsa Dental
There are many benefits which come from engaging with dentists who offer sedation at their practice. The first is the fact that when you are sedated all your fears and paranoia regarding different dental procedures is minimized. Sedation gives you the calm state of mind which you need to face the buzz and hum of the dentist’s tools as they work. Second, when you know that you will not be experiencing any pain during a dental procedure, you are more likely to follow up than when you fear that there could be pain and discomfort. In the long run, your teeth will be healthy for a longer time than when you avoid the dentist because you are scared of their tools.
Dentists tell if you qualify for sedation dentistry
There are several factors which used to determine whether you qualify for sedation dentistry or not. If you are an adult without any medical problems qualify for sedation dentistry. If you have experienced episodes of anxiety, tend to bite or interrupt the dentist during their procedures, you will also be a great candidate for sedation dentistry.
It is, therefore important to speak with your dentist and figure out if they offer sedation dentistry. This will help you overcome your fear and sit through procedures, keeping your teeth healthy and white for as long as possible.
If you have questions about sedation dentistry in the Tulsa area call South Tulsa Dental today at (918) 628-0834.
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