People that scared of dental treatments sometimes opt for painless dentistry to feel more at ease. However, it painless dentistry may not be beneficial for everyone. In this article, you will learn about painless dentistry through sedation methods and how to know if you are eligible for the procedure.
Painless dentistry involves administering sedatives before or during dental treatment. Aside from general anesthesia, which makes the patient completely unconscious, other forms of sedation will help the patient relax. The goal is to ensure patients feel little to no pain throughout the procedure. The most common options used in painless dentistry include nitrous oxide, oral sedatives, and intravenous sedatives.
Many people think general anesthesia is the best option; however, it poses more potential side effects than other forms of sedation. General anesthesia is also often called sleep dentistry. Patients who prefer sleep dentistry or sedation need to consult their dentist first. The dentist will need to know about any history of allergic reactions, especially to anesthesia so that they can take necessary precautions and provide accurate advice.
Local anesthesia is another option, which involves numbing the mouth to minimize pain during a dental procedure. This option is mostly for patients who do not suffer from dental anxiety.
The process typically depends on the dental sedation chosen. For oral sedative, the dentist will give the patient a drug prescription and instructions on usage. Correctly following the instructions will help the patient relax and reduce anxiety. After the effects of the medicine kick in, the patient will feel calm and a bit drowsy.
With nitrous oxide, the dentist will deliver it before, during, and after the procedure. This option also does not require preparation. If using IV sedation, patients need to prepare in advance, for instance, the dentist might suggest fasting for a few hours before the procedure. Patients may also need to avoid certain medications that may interfere with the sedatives.
Patients who fit into the following categories may benefit from painless dentistry using sedation methods:
Painless dentistry can help patients deal with dental procedures such as tooth removals, root canals, dental implantation. However, it is not usually used for routine procedures such as dental cleanings and x-rays. Patients suffering from extreme dental phobia may need sedation for such procedures.
Before opting for painless dentistry, patients must consider the procedure and how they react to dental care. For instance, people who fear needles may worsen their fear if given IV sedation. Furthermore, patients who feel vulnerable in the dental chair may want to stick with local anesthesia so they may remain alert. Patients who find themselves postponing dental procedures because they fear the process may consider sleep dentistry.
Ignoring issues such as cavities, loose or cracked teeth can put your oral health at risk, and may cause the problem to worsen over time. If you are concerned about an upcoming dental procedure, ask your dentist about painless dentistry.
Request an appointment here: https://www.emergencydentistinorlando.com or call Maitland Square Dentistry at (407) 337-1112 for an appointment in our Maitland office.
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