Posted on May 20, 2016
If you’ve heard people talking about the benefits of sedation dentistry in Belmont, you might be wondering what the process involves and if it’s right for you. Your dentist will be best able to advise you on whether or not you’re a good candidate for sedation dentistry. To get the conversation started, begin by learning a little bit about what sedation dentistry entails. After you have gotten an overview of the process, devise a list of specific questions to ask your dentist that are relative to your individual needs as a patient.
What Is Dental Sedation?Sedation dentistry involves your dentist administering a mild sedative to help ease your anxiety during dental procedures. Talk to your dentist about which sedatives his or her practice incorporates to calm patients. Two popular methods of instilling calm in patients are inhaled sedation and oral sedation. Inhaled sedation is commonly known as “laughing gas.” Laughing gas is a combination of oxygen and nitrous oxide. Oral sedation dentistry involves your dentist giving you pills or capsules to swallow before your appointment. Ask your dentist which medications he or she utilizes in oral sedation dentistry.
Can I Benefit From Dental Sedation?
Anyone who feels anxious at the thought of visiting the dentist can benefit from sedation dentistry. If you are someone who avoids making an appointment with your dentist even if you are suffering from an excruciating toothache, dental sedation can help to ease your fears and allow you to seek treatment. Patients who are obese or suffer from obstructive sleep apnea should talk to their dentists about how these conditions may affect their ability to safely be treated with sedation dentistry.
How Should I Prepare for Dental Sedation?
Because different sedatives used in sedation dentistry can affect patients in different ways, you should talk to your dentist in advance about what you will need to do to prepare for your appointment. Many patients who utilize laughing gas during their procedures are capable of driving themselves home from an appointment because the sedative wears off quickly. Other sedatives will affect your motor skills and you will need to arrange for a ride home from your sedation dentistry appointment.
