Do you dream of going to the dentist? If not, we promise we won’t be offended.
What if you could feel like going to the dentist happened in a dream? Or what if going to the dentist was as relaxing as taking a nap?
It’s possible with sedation dentistry. For people who are afraid of the dentist or who experience dental anxiety, sedation can allow you to get the care you need without the stress you may feel about the dentist’s office.
That’s just one reason we offer sedation dentistry all three Lexington-area locations of Beaumont Family Dentistry.
Who can benefit from sedation?
According to dictionary.com, sedation is “the calming of mental excitement or abatement of physiological function, especially by the administration of a drug.” To put it another way, sedation is a way to help you feel more relaxed.
There are multiple reasons sedation dentistry might be a good option for you. For example:
• Fear of the dentist — Webmd.com reported that between 9 and 20 percent of Americans have avoided the dentist because of fear or anxiety. Around 322 million people are living in the United States, according to the Census Bureau. That means between 28 and 64 million people are afraid of the dentist.
• Trouble sitting still — If you have a hard time sitting still in the dentist’s chair, then sedation can help you settle down.
• Control your gag reflex — Some people just gag more easily than others. Sedation can relax you muscles, making you less likely to gag.
• Limited memory of the treatment — This may tie back into fear or anxiety, but when you are under sedation, you may not remember your treatment at all.
All of these are good reasons a patient may prefer to undergo sedation during a dental procedure.
But sedation is good for your dentist or hygienist as well. If you are relaxed and comfortable, it’s much easier for him or her to give you a cleaning and examine your mouth.
Different types of sedation
At Beaumont Family Dentistry, patients may undergo one of three types of sedation. We will explain a little about each below.
• Nitrous oxide — Nitrous oxide is better known as “laughing gas”. This may be the most well known type of sedation.
If you receive nitrous oxide, you will inhale the gas by breathing it through a mask that covers your nose. As it takes effect, you will feel more at ease and more comfortable during your procedure.
This type of sedation both takes effect and wears off quickly, which means you can usually drive yourself home after your procedure. Also, this is a safe option for children who may be nervous about going to the dentist.
• Oral conscious sedation — This is a stronger form of sedation, which is administered in a pill. You will take the pill about an hour before your scheduled procedure. You may feel groggy or possibly fall asleep if you have this type of sedation.
The effects of this type of sedation are stronger and last longer than nitrous oxide. If you undergo this kind of sedation, you must make arrangements for someone else to drive you home. (If you can, you may even want to lie down when you get there.)
• IV sedation — This is the strongest type of sedation available to our patients. Typically, you would receive this kind of sedation for a longer, more complicated procedure.
This sedation can only be administered by a licensed professional. In our office, Dr. Ryan Golibersuch has gone through the training to administer this sedation safely and correctly.
You may not remember anything about your procedure if you undergo this type of sedation. As with oral conscious sedation, you must make arrangements for someone else to take you home. Be sure to rest once you are there.
Better care through sedation
If you have been putting off a visit to the dentist due to fear or anxiety, then wait no longer. Sedation dentistry can ease your fears and help you relax so you can receive the treatment you need.
Whether you are having a routine cleaning or undergoing some kind of oral surgery, sedation provides you a way to stay calm until everything is finished.
You need proper dental care to keep your mouth healthy. Don’t let your worries stop you from getting the treatment you deserve.
Call Beaumont Family Dentistry in Lexington at 859-223-2120 , 859-687-0975 or 859-368-8260 or use our online form to schedule an appointment.