Posted on Sun, Apr 18, 2010
Many people are fearful of dental treatment and their apprehension and anxiety causes them to avoid and postpone regular dental care until their oral health deteriorates. Sedation dentistry, also known
as "relaxation dentistry," offers an opportunity to experience your dental treatment without pain or anxiety. Using many different techniques, dentists can provide you with the appropriate comfort level to address all of your dental needs, often in only one visit.
Types of Sedation Dentistry
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Use of a combination of inhaled nitrous oxide and oxygen is a very safe and effective way to achieve a relaxed state. Nitrous oxide, or commonly known as "laughing gas," has been used in dentistry for over one hundred years. The effects of nitrous oxide are to reduce fear and the perception of pain while still maintaining consciousness. One of the main benefits is that the onset and recovery is immediate, which allows patients to resume normal activity following their appointment.
Conscious Sedation
For patients with high levels of fear and anxiety, nitrous oxide sedation may not be enough. In these cases, conscious sedation is a much better option. Conscious sedation provides a reduced state of consciousness through the use of medications provided by the dentist. These medications are administered by mouth (oral conscious sedation) or via intravenous methods (IV sedation). Patients undergoing conscious sedation are able to speak and respond to verbal cues throughout the procedure, communicating any discomfort they experience to the dentist. Nitrous oxide sedation can also be used as an adjunct to conscious sedation, synergizing with the effect of local anesthetic and the sedative medications. One of the other benefits of conscious sedation is temporary amnesia that may erase any memory of the procedure. Most patients experience minimal post-operative discomfort; however, due to residual effects of the sedatives, it is important for a trusted companion to escort the patient home to ensure safe transportation and recovery.
General Anesthesia
The majority of dental procedures can be completed with conscious sedation. However, in rare cases in which a patient has extreme anxiety, requires extensive treatment to be done, or has a complex medical condition, general anesthesia may be the best option. General anesthesia is the state produced when a patient receives medications for purposes of amnesia, pain control and to induce sleep. An anesthetized patient can be thought of as being in a controlled, reversible state of unconsciousness. The medications are administered either intravenously or inhaled. Your dentist must work with an anesthesiologist to administer the medications and carefully monitor vital functions such as breathing and heart rate. Due to the complex nature of providing general anesthesia, it is usually performed in a hospital outpatient setting.
There is no need to be fearful of the dentist's office. You can receive the highest quality dental care in a painless and anxiety-free setting. To find out if sedation dentistry is an option for you, or if you would like more information about sedation dentistry, contact your dentist or a qualified sedation dentist.
Posted on Fri, Dec 18, 2009
Have you heard the buzz about cosmetic dentistry or sedation dentistry, but need to learn more?
Are you interested in a free consultation to learn about your options?
Dr. Damian Meola and his experienced staff are experts in the field of Cosmetic Dentistry and Skin Cart, and for a limited time, are offering free consultations to the residents of the Boston area community.
To ask a question or register for a free consultation, fill in the form on the right today.