Dental Sedation: What to Expect

Many people have a fear of going to the dentist, even as adults. This can lead to putting off necessary dental work, which ends up making the problem worse and the solution more difficult. Thankfully, there are a variety of methods of dental sedation we can use to make you more comfortable for your procedure. Your dentist will make a recommendation for you based on what procedure you are having completed. Here’s what to expect with each type of sedation.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation

More commonly known as “laughing gas”, nitrous oxide is used to relax patients without making them sleepy and is the lightest form of dental sedation. With this method, a small mask will be placed over your nose and mouth. This mask has a tube connected to a tank of nitrous oxide gas. As you breathe, you will inhale the gas. After a few minutes, you will likely feel a little light-headed or dizzy, and patients become at ease. Once you reach this step, we can begin working. This dental sedation method is often used during simple dental treatments. It helps to calm down anxious patients and makes them more comfortable before receiving a local anesthetic, if needed. This method does not have long-lasting effects, so you will still be able to drive yourself home after your appointment.

Oral Sedation

With oral sedation, you will be given a pill to take approximately one hour before your scheduled procedure, though it may take as little as 30 minutes to feel the effects. You will still remain awake during the entire visit, but you will not be able to feel any of the work being done. You will definitely be relaxed during your appointment, but you may also feel a little drowsy with oral sedation. With an oral sedative, most patients are conscious and able to respond to the dentist, if needed. Since you will not be asleep, there is no harm in driving yourself home after your procedure. The effects do not last more than a couple of hours. Those with high dental anxiety or a fear of needles are often relieved to have this alternative medication available for their appointment.

Intravenous Sedation

IV sedation is the strongest form of dental sedation available and is reserved for major surgeries. This is when an IV is placed in your hand or arm and you then fall asleep while the dental work is happening. This method can be frightening for some people, but your safety is our top concern. We always have paramedics available in case of emergencies. You will wake up feeling very drowsy and many patients go home and take a nap after their procedure. You will not be able to drive after IV sedation. Thus, it’s important to bring someone to your appointment that can help take care of you in the hours after your dental work is completed.

Benefits of Dental Sedation

No matter which type of dental sedation we recommend for you, they all allow us to complete the dental work we need to do, while you stay safe and comfortable. This can be very valuable in treating difficult cases, performing more than one procedure at a time, or in simply helping calm an anxious patient. If you’re interested in learning more, or to see if dental sedation is right for your procedure, please ask your dentist the next time you visit. It has helped many patients get the dental care that they need to live healthier lives with a big smile!

The Best Vero Beach Dental Care is Right Here

At Vero Implants & Periodontics, you are treated like a VIP. We want to ensure that you feel safe and comfortable throughout your entire visit with us. That’s why we offer multiple forms of dental sedation to our patients. If you’re looking for a highly recommended dentist in Vero Beach, FL, please give us a call at 772-569-9700. We provide a variety of periodontal services, from tooth extractions to dental implants, Vero Beach residents trust. Contact us online today to schedule your appointment. We look forward to helping you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile for life!