Answers to the Top 3 Questions About Sedation Dentistry

If you’re like 13-24% of people worldwide, you may strongly fear dentists. Such dental anxiety can be a serious problem, especially if it makes treatment really stressful. Some sufferers even forego dental care just to avoid dealing with it.

Fortunately, dental sedation can help you finally relax and get the care you need without stress. To find out how, read the below answers to three frequently asked questions about sedation dentistry.

What is Sedation Dentistry, and is it safe?

Sedation dentistry is a set of methods that dentists use to help you relax before and during treatment. Typically, they involve giving patients a local anesthetic with calming effects, including one or several drugs on the day of your appointment.

Your dentist will review your medical history and ask about your medications to ensure the sedation’s safety. This way, they can prevent potentially harmful drug interactions beforehand. The entire dental team will also monitor your vitals during the procedure, so nothing genuinely threatening should occur.

Who Can Benefit from It?

Sedation dentistry is an excellent choice for patients who feel nervous, anxious, or scared about dental visits. However, it can also help people with the following conditions:

• Low pain threshold
• Inability to sit still for long periods of time
• Sensitive teeth or gums
• Bad gag reflex

It can also help patients who, needing extensive dental work, require lengthy treatment that would otherwise be uncomfortable.

What Types Are There?

One common form of sedation dentistry is nitrous oxide. For this method, a dentist will have you inhale nitrous oxide, a colorless and odorless gas, through a nasal mask. Long-known for its relaxing effect, this ‘laughing gas’ will make you feel light, happy, and euphoric within minutes. While you’re in this state, your treatment experience will be highly comfortable. Plus, as the gas’ effect is temporary, you can proceed with your day soon after the procedure.

Another type is oral conscious sedation. This technique involves you taking a sedative about an hour before your scheduled visit so you’ll be relaxed by the time of your appointment. The sedative will leave you conscious and able to respond to others, but time will seem to pass much more quickly. In some instances, you won’t have memory of your visit afterward.   

As you can see, sedation dentistry can help you overcome your dental anxiety to give you great oral health. Talk to your local dentist to see if your next treatment can include dental sedation!

About the Practice

Advanced Dental Solutions of Pittsburgh is headed by Drs. Jacqueline Sumzin, Dan Rairigh, and Josh Culver, who all earned their DDS degrees from prestigious institutions. The practice uses the latest technology for a wide variety of services, including sedation dentistry. Treatments are also personalized to meet patients’ unique needs and goals. For more information or to book an appointment, the practice can be reached at their website or by phone at (412)-854-2310.