When you’re nervous about going to the dentist, you might put off routine exams and other dental work. Since this can lead to more serious dental problems, it’s important to find a way to feel more at ease about dental visits. Sedation dentistry in Shelburne can help you feel much less anxious about having your teeth cleaned or having other dental work done. Knowing what happens when you’re sedated at the dentist can help ease your anxiety even more.
When to Choose Sedation Dentistry
You might consider choosing to be sedated if you experience mild to severe anxiety about going to the dentist. This helps ensure that you have routine dental exams or other dental work done without putting it off. You might also consider sedation if you have trouble sitting still for long periods of time or if you have sensitive teeth. Sedation dentistry might be a good option as well if you’re having a lot of dental work done in one visit.
Types of Sedation
Dentists have different types of sedation available, since some types are more suitable for certain situations. The main types include nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation. Other forms of sedation include general anesthesia and local anesthesia.
When you have general anesthesia, you’ll remain unconscious throughout your dental procedure. You might need this type of sedation if you’re having major work done, such as multiple tooth extractions. Local anesthesia only numbs the area in the part of your mouth that will be treated. This numbness stops you from feeing anything while having dental work done and wears off slowly afterwards. You might need local anesthesia for a tooth extraction or root canal.
Nitrous oxide sedation involves the use of laughing gas, which you inhale through a mask placed over your face. This gas helps you feel more comfortable and relaxed. The amount of nitrous oxide you inhale can be adjusted as needed. This type of sedation wears off quickly.
Oral sedation involves the use of medication. In most cases, you’ll take medication roughly an hour before you have dental work done. This medication can cause you to fall asleep lightly, but you won’t be completely unconscious.
IV sedation involves the use of an intravenous (IV) drip that injects medication directly to your bloodstream. Since the medication reaches your bloodstream more quickly than oral medication, you should start feeling the effects of it sooner. The amount of medication you receive can be adjusted as needed.
What to Expect After Sedation
Depending on the type of dental sedation you receive, you might need to have someone else drive you home. This is usually the case with general anesthesia and deeper forms of sedation, such as IV sedation or oral sedation. When you have local anesthesia or nitrous oxide, you should be alert enough afterwards to drive yourself home.
Find Out More About Sedation Dentistry in Shelburne
If you need more information about dental sedation, please contact usl today. We can answer your questions about being sedated and help you set up an appointment for a dental exam and cleaning or other dental services.