A dental visit can often be a difficult and stressful time for a patient. Dental sedation, however, can make these visits easier by helping to alleviate anxiety and fear. Sedated dentistry has revolutionized the way patients view going to the dentist, making it a much more enjoyable experience. Dental sedation is the use of medication to help make a dental treatment more comfortable. The most common types of sedation are nitrous oxide gas and oral sedatives. These treatments can make any procedure much more comfortable for patients who suffer from dental anxiety or fear, or for those who may need long or invasive dental procedures.
Did You Know?
Laughing gas (nitrous oxide) was used for experiencing euphoria at parties for years before being developed as an anesthetic and analgesic for medical and dental use.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Am I a candidate for dental sedation?
You may be a candidate for dental sedation if you suffer from dental anxiety and want to find a way to relax during dental visits. You may also be a candidate for dental sedation if you are having a long and/or invasive dental procedure such as a tooth extraction. However, people with allergies to benzodiazepines, those with sleep apnea, pregnant women, or those taking certain medications may not be an ideal candidate. Dr. Dickey will perform an exam prior to administering dental sedation to ensure your safety. To determine if you are an ideal candidate for dental sedation, schedule a consultation with Dr. Dickey of Dickey Dental today.
What type of dental sedation options are available at Dickey Dental?
Dickey Dental offers the following dental sedation options:
Nitrous Oxide Gas (Laughing Gas)
Nitrous oxide is a form of dental sedation that has been used for years. No needles or injections are needed to administer nitrous oxide. Instead, patients breathe in nitrous oxide through a comfortable nose hood, allowing them to remain relaxed during their dental appointment. The gas can help reduce anxiety and promote feelings of relaxation.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation is a form of dental sedation that uses medication taken by mouth to help relax during dental procedures. The most common medications used are benzodiazepines, which are anti-anxiety medications. Oral medications can range from mild to strong, depending on the needs of the patient. In order to determine which medication is right for your specific dental needs, Dr. Dickey will do a full medical and dental exam prior to administering oral sedatives.
Will I need to follow any special guidelines after my appointment?
After receiving dental sedation, you will need to have someone drive you home from your appointment. The only exception to this is when nitrous oxide sedation is used. Since nitrous oxide is only effective when being inhaled, the effects will wear off as soon as the gas is shut off. This means that you can drive yourself home afterwards.
With oral, however, the effects of the sedation will linger after your appointment. This means that you may experience drowsiness throughout the day. It is recommended to have someone monitor you for up to 24 hours after receiving oral. Depending on the type of procedure performed, Dr. Dickey may also provide you with post op instructions to follow after your appointment.
