We want to make sure all of our patients can get the dental care they need while being as comfortable as possible. This is why we offer sedation dentistry at Claremont Dental Institute. Dr. Steve Fountain, your dentist in Claremont, CA, discusses what sedation dentistry is.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
There are various methods of sedation dentistry, but they all have the same goal. Sedation dentistry is designed to keep patients relaxed throughout their dental procedures. At Claremont Dental Institute, we’re proud to offer sedation through nitrous oxide, oral methods, and an IV.
Nitrous oxide may be better known to you as laughing gas. It’s inhaled through the nose throughout the procedure. It takes effect very quickly and wears off fast, so you can drive yourself to and from your dental appointment. You’re alert and awake so that you can answer questions if needed, but you’ll be relaxed and calm.
Oral conscious sedation would be considered the next step up, though it’s sometimes used in conjunction with laughing gas. It comes in the form of a prescribed pill that you take about an hour before your dental procedure. It’s a deeper form of sedation. You may fall asleep during the procedure or find you don’t remember bits of it. You’ll need a ride to and from the appointment, as the effects can take a while to wear off.
IV sedation is typically used for more extensive procedures like oral surgery. You’ll fall asleep during the procedure and will stay asleep for the entire thing. You’ll have no memory of the surgery. Your vitals and condition will be monitored by a dental anesthesiologist throughout the whole thing.
The Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
Primarily, sedation dentistry is used to help people who fear the dentist. People with this condition can experience anxiety that’s so debilitating that they avoid any sort of dental care whatsoever. This can lead to more serious dental problems that require extensive work to treat. Many procedures may be needed to get your oral health back to where it should be.
Sedation dentistry allows people with dental anxiety to get the treatment they need. Whether it’s a regular checkup or full restorative dentistry, they can stay calm throughout the entire procedure. We’ll talk to you about your medical history and other factors to find the right choice of sedation for you.
It’s not just people with dental anxiety that sedation dentistry can help. Children and people with certain medical conditions that make it difficult or impossible to sit still for long periods of time can also benefit. We want to make sure everyone gets the dental care they need to prevent further oral health problems.
Can sedation dentistry help you to get the care you need? Call us at (909) 277-6919 or request an appointment online.