Oral Sedation: Will It Block All My Anxiety During My Dental Surgery?
What is sedation?
Sedation dentistry focuses on helping patients relax during their dental procedure. Some people have such severe anxiety about going to the dentist, they avoid it altogether. Sedatives are given to make these patients feel more comfortable getting the treatment they need.
There are other reasons someone might sedation during a procedure:
- Has sensitive teeth
- Has an overactive gag reflex
- Can’t sit still
- Needs a lot of dental work
- Has a low pain threshold
Types of Sedation
There are three types of sedation: inhaled sedation, oral sedation, and IV sedation.
Inhaled sedation
Inhaled sedation (nitrous oxide) is sometimes referred to as laughing gas, and it provides mild-to-moderate sedation. It keeps the patient relaxed during the procedure and the dentist may pair it with a local anesthetic. It suppresses an overactive gag reflex, makes time pass more quickly, makes pain more tolerable, and decreases anxiety.
Oral sedation
Oral sedation is taken by mouth, usually as a pill. It provides mild to moderate sedation and keeps the patient totally relaxed during the procedure. The dentist may pair it with a local anesthetic.
IV sedation
IV sedatives are given to patients through a needle directly through the bloodstream. It provides the deepest sedation short of general anesthesia. Patients who receive IV sedatives are almost unconscious but can wake up if needed.
This type of sedation causes extreme drowsiness and relaxation. Since patients are close to unconsciousness, they require a monitor so the dentist can check their vital signs, like heart rate, respiration rate, and temperature.
Sedation offers different levels of alertness, that range from moderately relaxed to completely unconscious.
Is oral sedation effective at reducing anxiety?
Yes. Oral sedation in Milford MA is highly effective at reducing the patient’s anxiety. It is also more cost effective than other sedatives and safe for patients with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, epilepsy, and kidney disease.
If you need a dentist in Milford who can treat your,then book an appointment with Milford Family Dental today for oral sedation in Milford MA!