Sedation dentistry ensures that dental treatments are performed in a relaxed and virtually pain-free manner.
Dentistry has come a long way in the past few decades. Older techniques, such as drilling and filling cavities, have been replaced with less invasive methods. One such advancement is sedation dentistry, which helps patients feel more relaxed and at ease during dental treatments. Sedation dentistry can be used for a variety of procedures, including exams, x-rays, cleanings, and even major surgeries. If you’re anxious about dental treatment, ask your dentist if sedation dentistry is an option for you. You may be surprised at how comfortable you feel during your next visit to the dentist’s office!
What is sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is a practice in which medication is used to help patients feel more relaxed whilst they undergo dental treatment. Sedation dentistry alleviates much of the discomfort that is often associated with dental work and can go a long way in helping those who struggle with dental anxiety.
There are a few levels of sedation that can be used — these include minimal sedation, in which one is awake but relaxed; moderate sedation, in which one is likely to forget having undergone the procedure; deep sedation, in which one remains just on the edge of consciousness; and general anaesthesia, in which one is completely unconscious. General anaesthesia is typically used for major dental work such as wisdom teeth removal, while minimal sedation is a good option for most general procedures.
What types of sedation are used?
When it comes to minimal sedation, your dentist will offer you nitrous oxide. Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is inhaled through a mask that is placed over the nose. The gas has a relaxing effect and will make you feel calm. It will also remove any pain that the treatment may otherwise cause. The amount of nitrous oxide that you inhale can be easily controlled by your dentist, and the effects usually wear off quickly once your procedure is complete.
Other types of sedation include oral sedation; IV moderate sedation; and anaesthesia.
Who is suited to sedation dentistry?
If you struggle with dental anxiety and often put off dental treatment because of your fear, you could be a suitable candidate for sedation dentistry. Sedation dentistry is also often a good option for those with a particularly low pain threshold or very sensitive teeth. If your dentist has recommended a large amount of dental work, they may suggest that you are sedated to ensure that you are comfortable throughout the process.
In some cases, sedation dentistry is recommended for children who feel very anxious or who are not able to sit still for an extended period. Nitrous oxide is considered a safe option for children and is easy to administer.
Is sedation dentistry safe?
Sedation dentistry is considered safe for most patients provided it is administered by a fully qualified and experienced dentist.
Before going ahead with sedation, your dentist will discuss your medical history with you and let you know about any potential risks and side-effects. They will also address any questions or concerns that you have and explain what you can expect from the experience.
How can we help?
At Beenleigh Marketplace Dental, we understand that many patients feel anxious about undergoing dental procedures. We want to make your experience as comfortable and positive as possible, which is why we offer virtually pain-free sedation dentistry.
When it comes to our sedation dentistry services, we use nitrous oxide and wand computer-controlled anaesthetic. These sedation options are suitable for almost all our patients, but we encourage you to get in touch to discuss your unique situation before your next appointment.
If you would like to find out more about sedation dentistry at Beenleigh Marketplace Dental, please have a look here.
If you would like to discuss your options in more detail or arrange a consultation with us, please don’t hesitate to get in touch here or give us a call on (07) 3801 8799.