Anesthesia If going to the dentist is concerning for you, you are not alone. At Oral Surgery Specialists of Buda we have a range of sedation options to help you get through your treatment without any fuss.Sedation dentistry can be used for all dental treatments - from a simple tooth cleaning to a major procedure. The options range from mild sedation to being rendered totally unconscious, and we will be more than happy to discuss the most suitable solution for you. Who Can Have Sedation?It is natural for everyone to be a little apprehensive about going to the dentist, but when the anxiety or fear prevents you from keeping appointments, it is time to find a solution. Unfortunately, if you do not have regular check-ups and minor preventive treatments (fillings and professional teeth cleaning) to maintain dental health, this is when major oral health problems can begin. Everyone can benefit from sedation dentistry, including individuals with a low pain threshold, people with a sensitive gag reflex, those who find it difficult to sit still for any amount of time, or anyone who is having a long dental procedure. Can Oral Sedation Help with Dental Anxiety?Dental phobia includes a complex level of concern, including embarrassment and worries about pain. It can keep people from going to the dentist when they need to. Oral sedation can be extremely effective for many patients and make them feel very comfortable during their procedure. Patients who receive anesthesia usually remember nothing about their dental care while they were in a relaxed state. Hopefully, this will prove to be a positive experience so that visiting the dentist next time will be far less fearful. What Are the Different Sedation Options?There are several different sedation options that are provided by our office. We want to ensure that we have the right option for our patients. Minimal sedation may be administered through a mask placed over the nose. It is a combination of nitrous oxide and oxygen, known as laughing gas. It will help you to feel relaxed and is a good option if you need to drive yourself home, as its effects wear off rapidly. A pill form can also be given as a minimal sedative. Although many people refer to this as sleep dentistry as they feel they have been asleep, most patients are awake throughout and able to respond to the dentist's instructions. A stronger dose of a pill medication can be administered for deeper, moderate sedation. Moderate sedation may also be given intravenously, which acts quicker than oral sedation, and can be adjusted throughout the procedure. Deep sedation will render you unconscious, and you will not wake up until the effects of the general anesthesia have worn off. You may feel groggy after waking up for 24 to 48 hours. How Safe is Sedation Dentistry?There is always a slight risk with any medical or dental procedure, including anesthesia. However, sedation dentistry is very safe for the majority of patients. As with any procedure, we will want to go through your medical history with you to see if there is anything that could be a risk factor, for example, if you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea or if you are overweight. If you would like to know how the range of different sedation options could be helpful to you, get in touch with our team at Oral Surgery Specialists of Buda to find out more. Call our office at (737) 335-0017 . |
