Millions of Americans experience fear and anxiety about visiting the dentist, so if you are one of them, you’re not alone. At Smile Station, our goal is to help you achieve the best oral health possible, and the first step in doing that is to give you the tools you need to make and keep your dental appointment. Sedation dentistry is one tool we use to help our patients relax so we can provide necessary dental treatment.
Unfortunately, there are several myths about sedation dentistry, so it’s important to dispel those myths through education and transparency. Keep reading to learn how sedation dentistry can keep you comfortable so you can receive the dental care you need, achieving oral and overall health.
Myth 1: Sedation Dentistry Is Only for Major Procedures
One of the biggest myths about sedation dentistry is that it’s only used if you are going to have a major dental procedure. While general anesthesia is used for more in-depth dental procedures, there are other sedation methods available to ease your anxiety and allow you to receive routine treatments, such as dental cleanings and fillings.
Myth 2: Sedation Is the Same Thing as Being Fully Unconscious
Another myth about sedation dentistry is that you will be unconscious during the dental procedure. The only type of sedation where you are unconscious is with general anesthesia. This is only used for complex dental procedures.
We can use other milder sedatives to relax you, but you will be awake and aware of your surroundings. You will be in control of your body and able to answer questions, but you won’t feel anxious. Before administering any dental sedation, we will ensure you are well-informed and that we have answered your questions.
Myth 3: Sedation Is Risky and Has Severe Side Effects
Many people believe the myth that dental sedation is risky and has severe side effects. However, when your dental sedation is administered by a qualified dental professional, you can rest assured that it will be safe. We undergo specific training in administering dental sedation, so you can feel confident in our ability to minimize the risks.
At Smile Station, we will review your medical history and discuss any concerns before adding sedation to your treatment plan. Our sedation offerings are safe and reliable and have minimal side effects, such as dry mouth, headache, and memory loss.
Types of Sedation in Dentistry
At Smile Station, we know that sedation dentistry allows us to provide necessary dental treatment to our anxious or fearful patients. We offer the following types of dental sedation in our Paducah dental office:
Nitrous oxide – The lowest level of dental sedation is nitrous oxide. This breathable gas is administered through an inhalation mask you wear during dental treatment. Also known as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide works to relax you and help reduce your dental anxiety. Once we are finished with your dental procedure, you will be able to go back to work or drive yourself home. Nitrous oxide leaves your system shortly after we remove the mask from your face so you can return to your busy day.
Oral conscious sedation – The next level of sedation dentistry is oral conscious sedation. If you choose to use oral sedation, we will prescribe a pill that you’ll take one hour before your dental procedure. The medication will relax you, but you will be awake and aware of your surroundings. You may not remember certain parts of your visit, and you will need a driver to take you to and from your appointment, but oral conscious sedation will wear off in a few hours, making it a safe and popular choice to ease dental anxiety.
IV sedation – A deeper level of sedation is IV sedation. We can administer medication through an IV, adjusting the dosage to keep you calm and comfortable. You may fall asleep during your dental treatment, and you won’t likely remember much of what happened. We will carefully monitor your blood pressure and oxygen levels during your dental procedure.
The Safety of Sedation Dentistry
If you are concerned about the safety of sedation dentistry, the dental team at Smile Station is happy to answer your questions. The key to safe treatment is having a qualified, responsible dental team to administer the sedation.
There are minimal risks to undergoing sedation dentistry; you might experience any of the following after nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, or IV sedation:
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Memory loss
These side effects will dissipate quickly, and the benefits of sedation dentistry far outweigh the adverse effects of not receiving necessary dental care. Maintaining your oral health can help you keep your natural teeth for a lifetime and improve your overall health at the same time.
Questions about Sedation Dentistry in Paducah, KY 42001?
If you would like more information about the safety of sedation dentistry in Paducah, the expert dental team at Smile Station is ready to take your call! We want to provide quality dental care to our patients, and sedation dentistry is one way to improve your dental experience. You can reach our dental office at (270) 408-1234 to schedule an appointment.
We look forward to hearing from you.