At Darien Dental Associates in Darien, CT, we want to help make sure that you have the most comfortable experience possible during your visit. That’s why we offer sedation options during our procedures. Our experienced team can use sedation techniques to help you feel more relaxed and at ease during an appointment and mask any feelings of anxiety that may arise. Call today to learn more or schedule your appointment online now!
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is a technique that uses medication to help a person relax and feel comfortable during a dental procedure. This type of dentistry is often used for people who have a fear of the dentist or who find it difficult to remain still during a procedure.
Sedation dentistry can be used to treat mild to moderate dental phobia and anxiety in people of all ages, allowing them to get the treatment they need without feeling anxious about it. Sedation dentistry also allows patients who otherwise would not get the care that they need because of their fear to actually get the care they need.
The types of sedation used during dental procedures are typically nitrous oxide, some type of oral medication to relax the patient, or some form of IV sedation. The dentist can easily provide several levels of relaxation depending on the person’s needs and tolerance for pain, including no sedation at all. Sedation may be needed for only a portion of the treatment, and you can choose which procedures will be sedated or not.
Sedatives are prescribed medications that reduce anxiety by slowing down brain activity. People who use sedatives must have an escort to drive them home from the dentist’s office because the medication impairs judgment and coordination.
What Is Nitrous Oxide?
Nitrous oxide is a dental sedative that has been used for over 150 years. It is an inhalant, meaning it requires the person to breathe in the gas, and therefore it must be mixed with oxygen to prevent asphyxiation. It also causes a feeling of euphoria, making the experience more pleasant. Nitrous oxide is not addictive and has few side effects. Nitrous oxide is an excellent sedative for dental procedures because it is safe, easy to use (extremely low toxicity), and doesn’t interfere with dental work like other sedatives.
Nitrous oxide is commonly used in combination with local anesthesia to provide pain relief during dental procedures. Local anesthetic works by blocking the nerve endings that send pain signals from teeth to the brain. When used together, nitrous oxide and local anesthetic provide pain relief that is better than either one alone.
Nitrous oxide is also used to help calm patients who are anxious about dental procedures. It can relax the muscles and decrease heart rate. It can also reduce the gag reflex during dental work, which is useful for people who are especially nervous or have a strong gag reflex.
What Is IV Sedation?
Dental IV sedation is a type of dental sedation that uses intravenous (IV) medications to help you relax and feel calm during your dental treatment. It’s one of the most effective ways to achieve deep sedation, which can make you feel very sleepy and relaxed.
Dental IV sedation is often used for people who need extensive work done or who are very anxious about going to the dentist. It may also be used when a person needs to have several dental treatments in one visit.
Using IV sedation can make you so relaxed that you hardly notice what’s going on, but it doesn’t put you to sleep. You’ll still respond to things like touching the side of your mouth or calling your name, and you’ll have some awareness of where you are. You can also open your eyes if someone asks you to.
IV sedation is a very safe way to get dental treatment, but it’s important to know that it’s not right for everyone. There are some risks and side effects associated with it, so your dentist will go over these with you before your treatment.
Want to Learn More About Sedation Dentistry?
Give us a call today or go ahead and schedule an appointment online!
