Going to the dentist doesn’t top anyone’s list of fun activities. In fact, for many, fear of visiting the dentist is downright terrifying. But guess what? You don’t have to face the dentist’s chair with a pounding heart and sweaty palms. Our Denver dentists can help you explore sedation dentistry to melt your worries and bolster your courage.
Does fear of visiting the dentist loom over you? You’re not alone. An estimated 15% of people across the globe report experiencing dental anxiety. Luckily, modern solutions (like sedation dentistry) can help ease the discomfort. Contact Metropolitan Dental Care in Denver, CO, at (303) 534-2626 to learn more about your options.
What is sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry uses safe and effective medications to help patients relax during dental procedures. Typically, it’s not about knocking you out cold. Instead, it’s about taking the edge off and making the whole experience as smooth as possible.
Whether you’re in for a routine cleaning or a more complex procedure, sedation can make all the difference for patients who have a fear of visiting the dentist.
Types of Sedation in Dentistry
Sedation in dentistry isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Here’s a quick tour of the options available:
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
This is the lightest form of sedation, and it’s perfect for those who just need a little help to take the edge off.
Patients simply wear a facemask through which the gas flows, helping them inhale the nitrous oxide, which makes them feel relaxed and giggly. The best part? The effects wear off quickly, so patients can drive themselves home.
Oral Sedation
For patients who need a bit more help to calm those nerves, oral sedation might be the ticket.
Oral sedation requires patients to take a prescription pill about an hour before their appointment. By the time they are in the chair, they feel drowsy but still awake. Patients may require a ride home if the effects are strong enough.
IV Sedation
For those who need a deeper level of sedation, IV sedation medicine is injected directly into the bloodstream, offering a quicker and more controlled effect.
Patients will be on the edge of consciousness but won’t remember much of the procedure afterward. A ride home from a friend or family member may be in order.
General Anesthesia
Reserved for the most complex cases or extremely anxious patients, general anesthesia will make patients completely unconscious. Patients receiving general anesthesia must arrange for a trusted person to drive them home.
Pros of Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry isn’t just a luxury – it offers a slew of benefits:
- Anxiety Relief: The most obvious perk is that it helps manage fear and anxiety, making dental visits bearable (even enjoyable for some!).
- Comfort: Sedation can make long or complex procedures feel like a breeze.
- Fewer Appointments: Because patients are more comfortable, dentists can often perform more work in one sitting, reducing the number of visits required.
- Gag Reflex Control: For those with a strong gag reflex, sedation can help keep it under control, allowing for more effective treatment.
Cons of Sedation Dentistry
Of course, even this silver cloud has a few raindrops:
- Cost: Sedation can be expensive and may not always be covered by insurance.
- Side Effects: Depending on the type, patients might experience grogginess, dry mouth, or nausea after the procedure.
- Not for Everyone: People with certain medical conditions or who are pregnant may not be suitable candidates for some types of sedation.
Fear of visiting the dentist? Sedation dentists in Denver, CO, can help!
Sedation dentistry is like a cozy blanket on a cold day—it wraps you in comfort, eases your fears, and turns your fear of visiting the dentist into a dreamlike experience. If anxiety has been keeping you from maintaining that bright, healthy smile, ask the team at Metropolitan Dental Care about sedation dentistry.
You can dial (303) 534-2626 for more information, or you can request information and appointments online here.
