Choosing the Right Sedation Method For Your Procedure

One of the most common concerns for dental patients today is discomfort or pain — and anxiety is often an issue as well. Fortunately, there are a variety of sedation methods that can help you feel comfortable, pain-free, and relaxed during your upcoming dental procedure. Here is an explanation of each so you can start to decide which sedation will be right for your procedure.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide is also referred to as laughing gas. It helps you relax while remaining conscious and able to respond to the dentist during your procedure. Since it’s a gas that you inhale, it only stays in your body for a short time once the procedure is over. If you use nitrous oxide for sedation, it’s very likely that you will not need any other kind of sedation, but in some unique cases, patients need both nitrous oxide and oral sedation.

Conscious (Oral) Sedation

In conscious or oral sedation, you take some type of sedative before your dental procedure starts. Your dentist may prescribe the medication for you to take it the night before your procedure, or you may take it the day of the procedure while at your dentist’s office. Oral sedation helps you to relax and cope well with any anxiety surrounding your dental procedure. Your dentist will deliver local anesthesia to block pain, as well. This makes for an all-around relaxed and comfortable dental procedure for you. Many patients say that they don’t even remember their dental procedure after it’s over, which is a great benefit for anyone who fears or worries about time in the dentist’s chair.

Intravenous Sedation

Intravenous or IV sedation is a type of sedation that may be reserved for the more serious dental procedures. You will receive medication through an IV and you’ll be monitored constantly during your procedure. Most patients doze lightly through the procedure, but your dentist can communicate with you if it’s necessary. Most patients experience a very comfortable procedure with IV sedation, and it’s very common to forget what happened during the procedure, just as it is with oral sedation.

Which Type of Sedation is Right For Me?

Deciding which type of sedation is right for you can depend on several factors. Your dentist will carefully consider the procedure type, your health, and your feelings about your upcoming procedure when making the decision about the sedation type that will suit you the best. No matter what type of sedation that you and your dentist decide on, the important thing to be aware of is that you will not be stressed out, in pain, or otherwise uncomfortable during your procedure. Your comfort and safety are always the top priority during all procedures at Vero VIP Implants & Periodontics.

If you’re curious about how the sedation will affect you because you’ve never had it before, talk to your dentist ahead of time to learn more about how sedation affects your body. Most patients have a great experience and wonder why they ever felt so much anxiety about having a necessary dental procedure. Your dental implants or periodontics treatment can be a comfortable and safe experience at Vero VIP Implants & Periodontics, so never fear!