A good number of people are afraid of going to the dentist. In fact, the majority of the populace find dental visits rather traumatic. It is hard to explain why some people feel this way. However, this kind of fear can result in them not having adequate dental care. Without proper dental care, these individuals can end up with severe cases of tooth decay, misaligned teeth, and other dental conditions. Most dentists do not find it easy to treat people who are shaking even before the procedure has started. If you are like this, then you already know how what it feels like. As a solution, sedation dentistry is applied.

What is sedation dentistry?

This dental technique will enable the dentist to work thoroughly on a patient without him or her shaking in fear. This also enables the patient to undergo dental treatment without experiencing any degree of fear and anxiety.

How is sedation dentistry performed?

It is performed with the administration of a sedative. This sedative numbs the nerves thus disabling the patient’s capacity to feel pain. It also helps the patient relax by targeting the central nervous system. The patient does not necessarily sleep when sedated thus it is not correct to associate this technique with sleep dentistry. However, the patient may feel light-headed or sleepy.

How the sedative is administered

There are various methods of administration in sedation dentistry. One is through the ingestion of oral sedatives prior to the procedure. Your dentist may instruct you to take one sedative before you go to bed the night before the procedure and then take another one a few hours before the procedure. The sedative will calm your nerves and provide a temporary relief from anxiety. However, this may make you feel drowsy. Therefore, you are advised not to drive right after the procedure.

Another method is through the inhalation of Nitrous Oxide or laughing gas. This is the most preferred method in sedation dentistry because it only takes around five minutes for the gas to take effect. Once the gas kicks in you will feel elated and happy. Warm, tingling sensations can also be felt on various areas of your body especially your hands and feet. However, the effects will depend on the concentration of Nitrous Oxide. Most dentists use the mixture of 70% oxygen and 30% nitrous oxide. Other than the happy feeling, you may also fall asleep after inhalation.

The last method of administration is through intravenous injection. This method involves the administration of a sedative directly into the blood stream. The effects are immediate and the dentist can manipulate the dose of the sedative in order to achieve the preferred level of sedation. However, you must understand that even when you are sedated you can remain conscious throughout the procedure. Nevertheless, you will feel relaxed and at ease.

With these new techniques, you no longer have any reason to keep ignoring that lingering toothache. Even when you are extremely afraid of the dentist with the help of sedation dentistry you will be able to undergo dental procedures such as a tooth extraction with ease.