Over the past few decades, advancements in dentistry have made undergoing dental treatments easy and comfortable. Yet, many individuals continue to skip regular dental checkups for one main reason—fear. This is often due to a dental experience in the past that was frightening or painful. Even so, some forego seeing their dentist because they are simply ashamed about missing visits or because they are afraid that they’ll have to have extensive dental work. Whatever the case, sedation dentistry offers a way for anxious or nervous patients to receive the dental care that they need and deserve. What’s more is that sedation dentistry is not a one-size-fits-all solution—with different types of sedation available, patients can reach the level of comfort that is best for them.
Perhaps it’s best to consider the different levels of sedation dentistry on a continuum, as listed by WebMD below:
- Minimal Sedation: Have you heard the phrase “laughing gas?” This refers to a minimal form of sedation in which nitrous oxide is inhaled through a mask carefully placed over a patient’s nose. While the patient remains alert and awake, they are very relaxed. Some claim that minimal sedation “takes the edge off.”
- Oral Sedation: Administered in a pill form about an hour prior to a dental treatment, oral sedation can be minimal or moderate, based on the needs of the patient. While the patient is awake, they are often relaxed enough to drift into sleep, yet they remain easy to wake up. In short, the effects of oral sedation are similar to that of Valium.
- IV Moderate Sedation: Given through an IV in the arm, this moderate version of sedation dentistry works quickly, and is beneficial for longer treatments and procedures. Thus, dentists are able to closely monitor the patients and can adjust the level of sedation during the treatment.
- Deep Sedation and General Anesthesia: With deep sedation or general anesthesia, patients are almost unconscious or completely unconscious. With general anesthesia, dentists must reverse its effects with other medication.
You Can Keep Calm And Relax At Grateful Dental
Providing comprehensive dentistry, including preventative, general, restorative and cosmetic dental care for children and adults of all ages, Dr. Leia Porcaro wants you to know—you can keep calm and relax at Grateful Dental. As a non-sleep sedation dentist serving Marietta and surrounding East Cobb communities, Dr. Porcaro is committed to helping patients have a positive and pain-free dental experience.
To schedule your appointment, call Grateful Dental today.
