Does the thought of going to the dentist make your heart race before you even pick up the phone to schedule an appointment? You are not alone! Over half of adults report experiencing mild to severe anxiety at dental appointments. What’s unfortunate is that dental anxiety keeps many people from receiving dental care they desperately need. In these situations, sedation dentistry becomes essential. Sedation dentistry uses safe and effective oral medications to help patients feel calm, relaxed, and comfortable during dental treatment.
For some, it simply takes the edge off. For others, it makes it possible to finally receive dental care without fear. At the Placerville Dental Group, sedation dentistry allows patients to focus less on anxiety and more on protecting their long-term oral health.
Who Benefits from Sedation Dentistry?
You will be glad to know that sedation dentistry has been used safely in California for over 60 years. Today, modern pharmaceuticals make it even more effective and customizable than ever before. At the Placerville Dental Group, we find it especially helpful for patients who experience:
- Strong fear or anxiety related to dental visits
- Difficulty sitting still for extended periods of time
- Heightened sensitivity to pain
- A strong gag reflex
- The need for complex or multiple dental procedures
- Cognitive or developmental conditions that make dental visits challenging
If you find yourself or a loved one in any of these situations, sedation dentistry is an option worth asking about right from the start!
Dental Treatments Commonly Performed With Sedation
Many patients choose sedation for procedures that are as simple as teeth cleaning. Sedation makes the treatment experience comfortable, often leaving the patient with no memory of the procedure. Sedation is commonly used during:
- Tooth extractions, including wisdom teeth removal
- Root canal therapy
- Deep cleanings and periodontal treatments
- Dental implant placement
- Extensive restorative work involving multiple teeth
At the Placerville Dental Group our goal is always to help patients feel safe, supported, and at ease throughout their visit.
Types of Sedation Available
Sedation dentistry isn’t one-size-fits-all. The type of sedation recommended and used depends on each patient’s comfort level, medical history, and the type of procedure being performed. Here is a brief description of the sedation options:
Nitrous Oxide
Also commonly known as laughing gas, this is the lightest form of sedation. Nitrous oxide is inhaled through a mask and helps patients feel relaxed while remaining completely awake and responsive. The effects of this type of sedation wear off quickly after treatment.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation provides mild to moderate relaxation. Patients are instructed to take a pill before their scheduled appointment. Others use a liquid medication. Many patients report feeling drowsy and calm throughout their visit, if not completely asleep.
IV Sedation
Administered through a vein, IV sedation allows for precise control of comfort levels. You may be conscious enough to follow directions. Patients remember little, if any, of the dental procedure.
General Anesthesia
Used in select cases, this deeper level of sedation allows patients to sleep through treatment entirely when medically appropriate.
Your dentist will determine which option is best based on your individual needs.
Sedation Dentistry at The Placerville Dental Group
If dental anxiety has kept you from getting the care you need, you don’t have to push through it alone. At the Placerville Dental Group, our team takes the time to understand your concerns and guide you toward the most comfortable solution possible. And if you are experiencing unexpected dental pain or trauma, we’re here for that too. The Placerville Dental Group offers emergency dental services, providing prompt care when urgent situations arise. Contact us today!
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