When to Consider Being Sedated for Dentistry
Going under for dentistry needs is typically recommended if you require a lengthy or more complex procedure. Such as if the treatment takes more time than normal, causing you to prop your mouth open a little longer than usual. We also suggest being sedated if you’d like to relax during routine dental work. Or if you feel slightly anxious about your upcoming appointment.
You can request being sedated at any time. Depending on the type of sedative that’s best for your needs, we may be able to add it at your appointment or plan for everything to be completed in a single visit.
We Recommend to be Sedated if You:
Need multiple treatments
Are getting multiple dental implants
Have been avoiding care because of nervousness or anxiety
Need multiple teeth extracted
Require oral surgery
Want to ensure the most relaxing experience
Types of Dental Sedatives
Some of the most common types of dentistry sedatives offered at Wellness Dental include:
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Laughing gas is one of the lightest and easiest forms of being sedated for dental work. Nitrous oxide is delivered through a soft nosepiece. You simply inhale the gas and oxygen mixture and feel relaxed within a matter of minutes. It’s almost as if you’ve had a couple of glasses of wine. Since this analgesic effect is quickly reversible, nitrous oxide is the only form of being sedated where you will not need to have someone accompany you to the appointment. It is perfectly safe to drive home afterward.
Nitrous oxide sedation is ideal for anything from a dental cleaning or filling to an extraction. Although you’ll be fully conscious throughout the appointment, you simply won’t feel as concerned about what’s going on. We will still use local anesthetic to numb any teeth being treated. There are very few restrictions, such as severe nasal congestion and an allergic reaction to eggs.
IV Sedation
If you require complex surgical treatment, Wellness Dental can work with a licensed dental anesthetist to provide in-house IV sedation. This type of anesthesia option is different than the general anesthesia used in hospitals, but still provides a deep level of relaxation for our patients. The IV method is delivered through an intravenous line in your arm, which allows us to administer extremely precise doses of medications like sedatives, antibiotics, and steroids (as needed) to boost your recovery following treatment.
Advanced sedatives are recommended for severe treatment needs or if heightened anxiety might interfere with accessing care in a traditional setting. As with the oral method, IV sedation will also require a bit of time for the drowsy side effects to subside. Be sure to have someone with you at the appointment who can drive you home afterward while the medication wears off.
Since IV sedatives are administered through a drip line, we’re able to precisely time the length of the medication delivery to your planned treatment. The visit may only last about 30 minutes or could be a couple of hours, but you likely will never be able to tell the difference. It will essentially feel as if you’re sleeping through the entire duration of the appointment.
Oral/Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation is a deeper level of being sedated that is ideal for most moderate to complex treatment appointments. If you want to feel as if you’re napping throughout the visit, then the oral option is an excellent choice.
When you schedule this type of appointment, medication is given by mouth prior to the start of the procedure. This prescription will cause you to feel extremely drowsy and you will likely forget most of the appointment, due to the amnesic side effects. You will need a family member or friend to drive you home, as the drowsiness can take several hours to completely wear off.
Most oral medications last a couple of hours, giving us a significant window of time to complete your necessary treatment. If you require a longer appointment, an IV sedating method is recommended.
Which Type of Dental Sedating is Right for Me?
During your exam and care plan review, we’ll discuss your proposed treatment and what to expect. Depending on your comfort levels and the complexity of your needs, we will recommend the best level of being sedated for your situation. We will also thoroughly review your medical and health history, as certain factors may impact which type of sedative is best for you. In some cases, we may also need to attain a clearance from your medical provider.
Is Dental Sedation Safe?
Our experienced dentists in Mesa, Surprise, and Tucson are licensed to provide in-house sedating services dentistry for patient safety and comfort. We also work with licensed dental anesthetists as needed. For your safety, it’s important that you share a list of any medications or supplements that you’re taking, as well as recent surgeries or hospitalizations that you’ve completed. When needed, our dentistry team will also network with your medical provider to ensure proper clearance.
Sedation dentistry is a safe and proven way to catch up on the care you need while ensuring the most relaxing process possible.
The Danger of Avoiding Dental Care
Dental anxiety can interfere with a person’s access to dental care. When existing oral disease goes untreated because of dental phobia, those conditions only become more complex and difficult to correct. Something simple today could easily evolve into an involved and costlier situation several months down the road. At that point, the treatment needs are even more advanced.
Fortunately, being sedated allows our patients to overcome dental anxiety and work with a gentle, friendly team that puts their comfort first. Planning your necessary care allows you to get your oral health back on track. From there, you can easily maintain your healthy smile with regular checkups and less invasive procedures, when necessary.