Despite the advances in dental technology over the past 50 years, the level of anxiety many feel when faced with a visit to the dentist remains the same. Fortunately, in the last few years, the profession has revealed an increase interest in addressing this need. The result has been a rise in a new expert – a sedation dentist. By recognizing the fear and anxiety a visit to the dentist may entail for some Americans, this professional is able to work with them to alleviate it, therefore, making their services more inclusive in nature.
Sedation Options
Sedation falls into three basic categories. These are:
- Minimal sedation
- Moderate sedation
- Deep sedation
In the case of minimal sedation, oral administration is one route of introducing the necessary drugs. It may also be effective for moderate sedation. In both cases, the patient cannot be allowed to leave the office on his or her own due to the lingering effects of the medication. Another option for minimal and moderate sedation is the employment of nitrous oxide or “laughing gas.” An advantage is the ability to leave the office afterwards on your own.
For moderate sedation, your sedation dentist may prefer to use an IV to administer the medication. It will go to work more quickly than oral methods. Yet, for deep sedation, the recognized method is general anesthesia (sleep dentistry). This method may involve monitoring of vital signs during the process.
Contact a Sedation Dentist
A fear of dentists should not prevent you from maintaining your oral health. Contact a sedation dentist about how he or she can help you. It is the ideal way for you to continue to protect your teeth and retain your smile. By undergoing the process, you can enjoy the benefits of teeth management while foregoing your anxiety.
If you have a fear of dentist, contact the Cascades Center For Dental Health at Cascadesdental.com about sleep dentistry. You can also connect them on Facebook for more updates.
