Modern dentistry offers a variety of techniques to help patients stay comfortable during dental procedures. Learning more about these techniques can ease patients’ concerns about the procedures they need. A sedation dentist uses medication to provide patients with a safe and comfortable dental care experience. Sedation can make necessary dental procedures much easier and is one of several options available to manage pain and anxiety at the dentist’s office.
A sedation dentist is available at Henderson Dental Care in Hialeah and the surrounding area. If you need dental work but feel anxious about what it entails, discuss how sedation can address your concerns. A qualified dentist can inform you about various options and make recommendations based on your concerns and medical history. Call us at 305-547-8377 to schedule an appointment.
A sedation dentist administers medicine that helps patients relax during the procedure. For most patients, this comes in addition to the usual pain relief, or an anesthetic, which is typically administered through an injection to the affected area. Sedation has the added effect of reducing patient anxiety and awareness of the details of a procedure.
WebMD explains that sedation for dental procedures can be mild, moderate, or deep. With mild sedation, most patients remain fairly alert but feel relaxed. Moderate sedation induces a deeper state of relaxation; patients undergoing it may not remember much of the procedure. Patients under deep sedation are still conscious but become drowsy and detached from their surroundings.
There are several types of medications potentially used in dental sedation. They can be given as a pill or administered intravenously. For minimal sedation, patients may receive gas inhaled through a mask. This type of sedation wears off quickly. The type of sedative used is determined by the patient’s treatment, their tolerance, and conditions or illnesses they may have.
Local anesthesia is typically administered for minor restorative procedures such as cavity fillings, tooth extractions, root canal treatments, dental crown placement, and scaling and root planing. General anesthesia, usually inhaled or administered through an IV, is used for more severe procedures. It is commonly used for bone grafts, corrective jaw surgery, general tooth extractions, oral cancer surgery, sleep apnea surgery, cosmetic dental procedures, and cleft lip/palate surgery.
In a study published by the Journal of Dental Hygiene, 19% of the 308 study participants suffered from moderate to high dental anxiety. A sizable part of this group even reported missing appointments because of dental fear. Sedation is one of the effective ways dentists have found to help patients get the care they need. Patients who have been avoiding necessary dental work due to anxiety can find sedation very helpful.
In addition to patients who suffer from nervousness, candidates for sedation may include those who have difficulty sitting for a long time. Some dental procedures necessitate remaining in the chair for a long time with minimal movement. Various physical and mental conditions can make this extremely difficult for some. Other issues where sedation can help include a strong gag reflex or a low pain threshold.
Sedation can help patients get through most types of dental procedures. Preparation is key to making things go smoothly. Taking the following steps can help patients get the dental care they need with minimal pain and anxiety:
A. Sedation can help with most dental procedures, including fillings. Based on the length of the procedure and other factors, a dentist can recommend an optimal approach for individual patients. Even routine procedures can cause anxiety for some, so sedation is a great option for allaying it.
A. Generally, dentists recommend avoiding solid foods and any dairy for at least six hours before the appointment. One should stop drinking liquids at least two hours prior to the procedure. However, the instructions for a specific patient may differ based on the type of sedation and other factors, so it is important to ask the dentist.
A. Dentists determine the optimally safe dosage and type of sedation for each patient. There are typically no lasting side effects. However, patients may feel dizzy, drowsy, or nauseous for up to four hours after the procedure. These effects can vary.
A. It is advisable to wear loose, comfortable clothing. Dressing in layers can help patients stay warm, as body temperature can drop under sedation. Dentists recommend avoiding large amounts of accessories.
A. In most cases, one should take medications as usual. It is important to let the dentist know about all medications you take. The dentist can then let you know if any changes are necessary on the day of the procedure.
We are committed to providing quality healthcare to families located in the Hialeah area and treat patients of all ages.
Henderson Dental
Phone: (305) 558-1171
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