I’m doing it. I’m biting the bullet and going back to the dentist. It’s been about twelve years, so I’m sure I’ll need a lot of work. There seem to be a few choices when it comes to dental sedation and I want to make sure I pick the right one. I don’t want to get the wrong one and end up afraid to come back again. What are the differences?
Miriam
Miriam,
Congratulations on taking steps to get back to the dentist. I know dental anxiety can make sitting in that dental chair terrifying. It’s a brave thing that you’re doing.
In the book, The Power of Habit, Charles Duhigg talks about keystone habits that make a huge difference in your life. This one will put you on the path to better overall health.
Often, patients who are returnees to dental care are shocked to find how much better they feel after getting their dental health back in line. Their whole body feels better and they have more energy. We suspect this is because it drags your body down to have to be fighting the extra bacteria in your teeth and gums.
Two Levels of Dental Sedation
Nitrous Oxide:
Almost every dentist has this level of dental sedation available. It’s most useful for those with mild anxiety. We’ve seen it especially help with those who have a little trouble getting numb because of nerves.
This used to be dubbed laughing gas, though it doesn’t really make you giggle. Instead, it gives you a floaty, relaxed feeling. It’s provided through a nose-piece. Your dentist will turn on the gas and you’ll start to relax as you breathe it in. When your procedure is completed, the dentist will turn off the gas and increase the oxygen. You’ll be back to yourself in minutes and ready to go on with your day.
Oral Conscious Sedation:
This is a much stronger level of dental sedation and dentists have to go through special training to administer it. You can find those who have it available by doing an internet search using the term “sedation dentist”.
It is administered with a simple pill. You’ll take it before your appointment. However, it is so strong, you will be in no condition to drive. A dentist will require you have someone drive you to and from your appointment. You’ll also need someone to stay with you for several hours after your appointment.
The medicine completey relaxes you. You’ll be a bit loopy and unsteady on your feet, hence the reason for supervision. You’ll want someone there to get the things you need so you walk as little as possible.
Sometimes patients call this sleep dentistry because it is so strong patients tend to sleep through their procedures.
This has an additional advantage of allowing you to get more work done in each sitting. Your dentist can fill cavities, provide dental crowns, repair broken teeth, even provide cosmetic work while you sleep. Most patients can catch up with years of neglected work in one to two appointments.
This blog is brought to you by West Seneca Dentist Dr. Warren Krutchick.