Many dental practices claim to provide sedation dentistry, but that term is a generic one that applies to a variety of different techniques and levels of sedation. But not all forms of sedation are equal. Some dentists may only provide nitrous oxide, which is great to treat mild dental anxiety, but would do little to ease the mind of someone who is seriously phobic.
It is important to be able to distinguish between the different forms of sedation, so that you will know what type is right for you. At New Albany Implants, we have the expertise and experience necessary to help you make an informed decision about the type of sedation you need.
Conscious Sedation
This type of sedation will put you into a state of deep relaxation without putting you to sleep.
Inhaled Sedation – Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a form of sedation used to relieve mild dental anxiety. Nitrous oxide is mixed with oxygen and delivered to you via a small mask over your nose. As you inhale the gas your nerves will be calmed and your muscles will relax. We can control the amount of sedation in the gas mixture, so if you become anxious during your procedure, we can increase the level of nitrous oxide to further relax you.
Oral Sedation – Sometimes a higher level of sedation is needed. Either to combat more severe dental anxiety, or to allow you to undergo longer procedures that will require you to remain still for an extended period of time. This type of sedation is delivered in the form of a prescribed sedative pill. You will take the pill a couple of hours before your scheduled appointment.
Sleep Dentistry
This is exactly what it sounds like, a type of sedation that puts you completely asleep for dental work.
IV Sedation – This type of sedation is for anyone experiencing moderate to severe dental anxiety. The sedative is delivered directly to your bloodstream via an IV. You will be asleep about a minute after the sedative is administered. While under IV sedation you will be totally unconscious and unaware of your surroundings. You will feel no pain or discomfort, and you will have no memory of the procedure.
General Anesthesia – This is the strongest form of sedation, so strong that it is usually only administered in a hospital by a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. It acts very similar to IV sedation, and is ideal for those patients who are extremely dental phobic, or unable to use other forms of sedation for medical reasons.
How Sleep Dentistry Is Different
As the name implies, sleep dentistry puts you completely under for your dental procedure. The sedation takes place quickly, and is delivered fairly easily. Whereas conscious sedation leaves you at least partially aware, with sleep dentistry you will have no awareness whatsoever. You will simply fall asleep before your procedure and then wake up with a brand new smile.
Why Sleep Dentistry Is Important
IV sedation and general anesthesia make it so that people who are too fearful and anxiety ridden to bring themselves to the dentist an opportunity to get the dental care they need. Without these options the dental phobic would have no choice but to suffer the ravages of tooth decay.
Sleep dentistry also allows you to undergo multiple procedures at in one visit, eliminating the need to schedule several days off work for return visits to the dentist. It also means shorter recovery times, and a new smile sooner.
Which Type of Sedation Is Right for You?
The only way to answer this question is to come to New Albany Implants for an examination and consultation. Not every form of sedation is right for every person and every procedure. Some medical conditions prohibit certain types of sedation. So, we will get an extensive medical history from you to make sure the desired form of sedation is safe for you. We will also evaluate your level of dental anxiety in order to determine if you will require sleep dentistry, or if conscious sedation will suffice.
Make An Appointment
Too often, people will simply avoid the dentist, rather than consider any sedation options, either because they are embarrassed to ask or they simply don’t know sedation dentistry exists. At New Albany Implants, we want you to be aware of all of your options, so that you can get the quality dental care you need.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment at our office in Southern Indiana.
