What You Need To Know About Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry or comfort is a dental procedure that involves the use of sedatives to help patients relax during different dental procedures. If you experience phobia for processes that require a lot of dental work, sedation dentistry is an excellent option for you. At Bright Work-Family Dentistry, Dr. Benjamin J.Crowley and his team of experts have been helping patients with the phobia for dental procedures in Richmond, VA. Sedation dentistry is a very powerful tool, and before you decide on whether to go through it or not, here are essential facts you should know.

Sedatives and Anesthetics are Two Different Things

Many people believe that sedatives and anesthetics are the same; however, this is a great misconception because these are two different drugs. Anesthetic application numbs your sense to help prevent pain during various surgical procedures, while sedation makes you remain relaxed.

The other difference between the two is that when sedatives are used, you remain awake but in a more relaxed state. However, when a general anesthetic is used, you will remain unconscious throughout the procedure.

The Types of Sedation Dentistry

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation requires you to have a dose of prescribed sedatives before your procedure begins. Your dentist will direct you on what intervals you should take the sedative. In most cases, you are advised to take it the night before you go for the procedure, then one hour before it begins. The resultant effects of having oral sedation are that you feel tired and sleepy after the procedure. These effects usually wear off the next day.

Laughing Gas or Nitrous oxide

In this type of sedation dentistry, you breathe laughing gas through a nose apparatus, which enables the continued supply of the gas to the patient. Remember that this is a gas which wears off quickly as soon as the supply is cut short. Patients that undergo laughing gas sedation experience very mild effects and can even drive themselves home after the procedure.

There are those patients that are comfortable with laughing gas alone, while there are those that will still require it even after having oral sedation.

IV Sedation

It is applied to people who experience severe dental anxiety. It is not applied continuously; therefore, you will feel its effects in intervals. Most patients who have undergone this form of sedation tend to remember nothing about the entire procedure. Your dentist will advise you to have a rest the following day after your procedure.

Sedation Dentistry is Safe if Done Right

Sedation dentistry is being performed almost in the entire world, and lots of researches have proven that there are no significant risks associated with it. Your dentist will choose the type of sedative to use on you, depending on the level of your phobia to dental procedures. It is safer than anesthesia because it requires no external supervision.

Sedation Dentistry Can be covered by Insurance

Many insurers will help you to partially cover your sedation dentistry, especially if it is an essential component for your dental procedures. Not all insurances cover for dental sedation, but you can opt for other flexible financing options. This has enabled the world’s population to have access to affordable dental health care.

You should never skip your appointment with your dentist due to anxiety. To conquer it, ask your dentist to use the appropriate dental sedation on you.