Dental Sedation Options: Which is Right for You?
Our members rely on stress-free treatments as an experienced Vero Beach dental practice community. We work diligently with our patients to ensure a positive experience. In some cases, that means listening carefully to people about their level of anxiety. More than one-third of Americans deal with some level of dental anxiety that may require sedation to perform specific procedures.
We provide industry-leading and safe sedation options to make treatments, care, and dental surgery a relaxed and pain-free experience. We can discuss an appropriate dental sedation option if you need a tooth extraction, tissue grafting, bone regeneration, or dental implants. These are things to consider when deciding which type of sedation is right for you.
How Does Sedation Dentistry Work?
The goal of dental sedation is to provide a calm and relaxing state of mind for people who are undergoing procedures. Various degrees of dental sedation are designed to deliver the calm needed to complete a given process. In some cases, patients receive mild sedatives so they can feel carefree during a deep cleaning.
When invasive surgeries are required, a certified anesthesiologist usually puts the person to sleep. While the periodontist works to restore the structural integrity of a jaw bone or performs a tooth extraction, the sedation professional monitors the patient. When the periodontal treatment has been completed, you will be eased back into full consciousness.
Types of Dental Sedation Options
There are three types of commonly used dental sedation options offered by your dentist in Vero Beach, FL. These include Intravenous Sedation, Nitrous Oxide Sedation, and Oral Sedation. The decision to employ one type over another is often driven by the type of periodontal treatment, someone’s anxiety level, and a variety of health and well-being factors. These are things to keep in mind about each sedation option.
Oral Sedation
As the term implies, oral sedation involves taking a pill that relaxes people within one hour. Some of the common oral medications include triazolam (Halcion), diazepam (Valium), as well as zaleplon and lorazepam. A periodontist may also employ liquid sedations such as an oral syrup known as midazolam.
Intravenous (IV) Sedation
Medications delivered into the bloodstream are considered the deepest form of sedation available at a dental practice. The process mirrors that of someone preparing for a hospital surgery. While you are unconscious, blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels are monitored. The medications can be adjusted at any point and reversed to bring you back to consciousness.
Nitrous Oxide
Commonly referred to as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is inhaled using either a mask or nosepiece. It has a general calming effect on patients, usually in five minutes or less. The amount of nitrous oxide you receive may vary during the treatment, depending on anxiety levels and other factors. At the end of the process, patients receive pure oxygen to rid the system of laughing gas.
Pros and Cons of Dental Sedation Methods
When deciding which form of sedation works best for you, weighing the benefits against the drawbacks is essential. Some forms of medically induced relaxation are designed for specific practices. For example, someone fearful of having a cavity filled might be a good candidate for nitrous oxide because it helps people experience a worry-free mindset. These are the pros and cons of the three different types.
- Oral Sedation: This method tends to make people feel groggy, and you may need to plan for a ride home. On the other hand, oral sedation usually allows patients to participate in the process.
- IV Sedation: This type can be ideal for oral surgeries because it renders the patient unconscious. You may wake up afterward with little or no memory of what happened. However, some people experience side effects, including nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, and headaches.
- Nitrous Oxide: Laughing gas works fast and leaves the system quickly, allowing many patients to drive home or resume their day following the procedure. Sometimes, patients experience side effects, including agitation, nausea, and headaches.
Contact the Periodontist Vero Beach, FL Residents Trust
If you require periodontal treatment and have concerns about anxiety or experiencing discomfort, the professionals at Vero Implants & Periodontics in Vero Beach, FL, are here to help. Schedule a consultation to discuss your dental needs and a sedation plan that fits your comfort zone.