Sedation dentistry typically includes four levels of sedation, which cater to different needs and levels of anxiety:
- 1. Minimal Sedation (Laughing Gas):
- You remain awake but feel relaxed.
- Nitrous oxide, or "laughing gas," is inhaled through a mask and quickly wears off after treatment.
- 2. Oral Sedation:
- A pill (like Valium or Halcion) is taken about an hour before the procedure.
- This can range from mild to moderate sedation, making you feel drowsy but still awake. Some patients may fall asleep but can be easily awakened.
- You may receive nitrous oxide in addition to this, which would deepen your level of sedation.
- 3. IV Sedation:
- Administered through a vein, this provides a deeper level of sedation.
- You remain conscious but likely will not remember much of the procedure. It takes effect quickly, and the level of sedation will be adjusted as needed.
- 4. General Anesthesia:
- You would be completely unconscious, like during surgery at the hospital.
- Not offered at our office.
Is Sedation Dentistry right for me?
Would you rather endure a toothache than step into a dentist's office? If so, sedation dentistry may be for you. Sedation dentistry is ideal for patients who have a low pain threshold, cannot sit still in a dentist's chair, have very sensitive teeth, or have a bad gag reflex. Children, as well as adults, can benefit from sedation. For more information on sedation dentistry or to see if it is right for you and your family, call our TEAM at Seguin Smiles, PLLC.
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
One of the major benefits of sedation dentistry is the illusion of time it provides. You may feel like your procedure only lasted a few minutes when it could take over an hour to perform. In addition, sedation dentistry addresses many fears that may keep you from visiting the dentist on a regular basis. Patients who choose sedation dentistry are more likely to receive the recommended care and improve their oral health. Dental patients with generalized anxiety, belonephobia (fear of needles and sharp instruments), prior dental trauma, or generalized fear of the dentist can select the level of sedation they prefer to reduce their anxieties. The sedative effect allows more dentistry to be completed in fewer appointments, as well as allowing complex procedures to be performed in less time.
Our dentists at Seguin Smiles, PLLC. are up to date on sedation dentistry to provide as safe of a procedure as possible. We will monitor your vital signs during the entire procedure and carry medication that is able to reverse the effects of the sedation if needed. For more information about sedation dentistry, give us a call today at (830)372-2949.