Sedation dentistry is a common practice dentists implement to help patients have anxiety free dental treatment. Using this practice helps to relax nervous or apprehensive individuals so they can receive appropriate dental care in the safest manner possible. This treatment is typically given as a pharmaceutical grade drug and can be administered through inhalation, an injection or IV. The goal of this approach is to create a calm, relaxed state in the patient, but allow them to be awake enough so they can respond to commands and be safe.
Common examples of sedative drugs that may be used are nitrous oxide, anti anxiety medication, tranquilizers and sleeping pills. Although most procedures will still require a topical anesthetic given through an injection inside the mouth, patients are often so comfortable they don’t even realize a needle is being used to further ease their pain after receiving the initial sedating agent. Sedation dentistry is not like general anesthesia when the patient is unconscious. With the addition of the localized anesthetic the patient does not feel any pain at all.
This sedation technique makes hours seem like minutes in a dental chair. This is of benefit to patients undergoing dental implants and other complicated procedures that take hours to complete. The careful administration of this method helps a patient avoid fear and anxiety and results in fewer appointments. Sedation dentistry can be used for routine procedures as well as more complicated procedures like dental implants. Patients are less likely to neglect routine care if they know their pain and comfort can readily be managed.
Source by Miles Madison
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