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How Sedation Dentistry Can Help Patients With Dental Anxiety
At Progressive Periodontics, we know that going to the dentist is probably not your favorite activity — and we know that for many patients, it can cause some level of stress. However, going to the dentist or undergoing a procedure is necessary to keep your smile healthy.
That’s why we offer sedation dentistry options to ease your nerves while we complete your treatment. Keep reading to learn more about our sedation dentistry services, so you can prepare for your next appointment.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry uses several different safe sedative techniques to act on the central nervous system and reduce signals of fear and anxiety. Sedation can help induce feelings of relaxation and ease for those who are nervous about being at the dentist.
Top Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
In addition to being useful to patients that suffer from anxiety while at the dentist, sedation dentistry has the following benefits:
1. Helpful for Patients with Sensitive Gag Reflexes
It can be difficult for patients with a sensitive gag reflex to keep still while at the dentist — and it can be even more challenging to resist the urge to choke during the treatment. However, with sedation dentistry, these psychological and physiological responses can be subdued to allow patients to gain greater comfort while allowing us to perform the procedure with ease.
2. Allows Your Dentist to Perform Multiple Procedures with Ease
Many patients can cope with staying still in the dentist’s chair for just one procedure — but if you require multiple procedures, it can be challenging to remain calm. With sedation, the pain signals your brain would typically receive would be muted. This means that rather than coming back for another separate visit, your care can be completed in one sitting.
3. Assist Your Comfort With Local Anesthesia
While many treatments can be completed without the need for needs, others do require local anesthetics. Mild sedatives can be used in combination with local anesthesia to reduce your fear of needles and relax you during the procedure.
Sedation Options Offered at Progressive Periodontics
Different methods of sedation that we at Progressive Periodontics offer include:
Nitrous Oxide
Also known as laughing gas, this light form of sedation is administered through a mask and works immediately to relax the patient. Though you will feel at ease, you will be completely conscious during the procedure. Laughing gas wears off quickly after your appointment, allowing you to go back to your daily routine following your procedure.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation is a medication that is typically administered to the patient at least one hour before the treatment. Unlike laughing gas, the effects of the medication take time to wear off, and you will not be able to operate a car before or after your procedure. It’s recommended that patients are driven to and from their appointment by a friend or family member so that they have a ride home.
Conscious IV Sedation
This form of sedative is given to patients through an intravenous (IV) drip and is recommended to patients who are undergoing a longer procedure. Under this option, you’ll be awake and able to speak to the doctor about any concerns — but some patients may have trouble remembering specific details about what happened during their treatment.
General Sedation
For patients that have a very extreme form of anxiety, general sedation is the most strongly recommended sedation option. This sedative is administered by an anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist. Similarly to use in general surgery, general sedation used during an oral procedure will keep you asleep during the entire procedure. You will need a ride to and from your appointment if you opt for this option.
Sedation Dentistry in Tigard
If you believe that you could benefit from sedation dentistry during your next visit, contact our staff to learn more about each option, as well as which work would best for you. At Progressive Periodontics, the comfort and quality care of our patients is our top priority. For answers to your questions or to book an appointment, contact us at (503) 966-3780.