With the rapid advancements in the field of medicine, dental treatments have also grown majorly in terms of popularity and effectiveness. Gone are the days where seeing a dentist was an episode of anxiety and phobia. In today’s day and age, a wide array of modern dental treatments not only provide top-notch solutions to various oral health issues but also ensures patients’ comfort throughout the treatment process.
However, if dental phobia remains to be a personal issue that is keeping you away from a thorough checkup, this blog will help understand the different types of sedation options you can choose from after having a conversation with your dentist!
Local Anesthesia:
Local Anesthesia is used as a numbing medicine for minimally invasive dental procedures. Local anesthesia such as Novocaine is injected in the gum typically connected to the affected teeth so the patient feels very less or no pain while the ongoing treatment. It is usually used when the procedure is small and not very time consuming. In this type, the patient is awake and is commonly used for cavity fillings.
IV Sedation:
IV sedation, short form of, intravenous sedation is when medicine is injected in the patient’s body through a vein. It can be adjusted throughout the surgery in terms of dosage and longevity. This helps the patient to be asleep during complex and lengthy surgery procedures, having little to no memory of it.
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing gas):
One example of a sedative technique is nitrous oxide which is also known as laughing gas. Nitrous oxide when mixed with oxygen is inhaled, induces a sense of relaxation and mental numbness. It is often used to deal with mild and moderate anxiety patients to reduce the sense of pain or inflammation during the process
Oral Sedation:
Dentists might prescribe oral sedation in the form of medicinal pills or liquid form prior to the appointment. The severity of the sedative nature can vary according to the requirements. Oral sedation is typically used to promote a sense of relaxation and calmness. However, the patient is awake and responsive throughout.
General Anesthesia:
General anesthesia involves complete unconsciousness of the patient where his mind and body are both unaware of the surgical procedure. It is carefully administered by an anesthesiologist.
Conclusion
Sedation dentistry, also known as sleep dentistry, involves different forms of sedation techniques for effective pain and stress management during dental procedures. Sedative techniques can vary from topical, local, intravenous and general anesthesia depending on the severity of the dental issue and patient’s personal phobia.
If you also have anxiety and stress before a dental checkup and are looking to connect with doctors for a smooth experience, get in touch with Hermosa Dentistry. We will give you all the possible options you can choose from ensuring comfort and content. Call us to schedule an appointment.