4 Common Questions People Have About Sedation Dentistry

Do you find you get nervous about going to the dentist? This phobia can make it harder to get the oral healthcare you need, but there is a way you can make your visits easier. Sedation dentistry is a great option as it can help you relax, but if you haven’t had it before, you might have some questions about it. Here are four that patients often wonder about.

What Exactly Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is essentially medication that’s designed to help you feel more comfortable and relaxed. You can use it for all types of services, from routine checkups and cleanings to root canals and dental implant placement. This means patients with mild or severe dental anxiety can benefit from it, but your dentist will first make sure it’s safe for you.

Am I a Good Candidate for Dental Sedation?

With that said, not everyone is a good candidate for dental sedation. That’s because a few things may increase your risk of complications. For instance, being pregnant or having certain allergies (to name a couple) are a few things that will be considered. Your dentist will have a thorough consultation to make sure it’s right for you.

What Is It Like to Get Sedation Dentistry?

If you are eligible for sedation dentistry, then there are a few options you can pick. Nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation are the three types of it your dentist may offer.

Each one has a varying level of strength, so they have their own pros and cons that will be considered. But with them, you might feel a bit calmer or floatier. You might even doze off while getting them, but they won’t make you fall asleep.

For instance, nitrous oxide (or laughing gas) is often best for minor services, like checkups and cleanings. It offers the mildest relaxation effect, so it won’t cause much of a hiccup in your day. IV sedation, on the other hand, is the strongest, so you will need someone to drive you home afterward!

Are There Any Side Effects to Dental Sedation?

With all that said, your dentist will pair you with the right sedation and make sure it’s a great choice for you and the treatment you’re getting. It’s easy to worry about any side effects, but there generally aren’t any you should worry about.

Some patients may feel a bit nauseous or have a headache with laughing gas, but it often goes away once you stop receiving it. The other two options may make you feel groggy as it takes several hours for the medication to get out of your system. That means you’ll need someone to take you to your appointment and home.

In the end, sedation dentistry is a great option to make your visits easier. It’s easy to worry about getting it if you haven’t before, but your dentist is here to answer all your questions; that way, you feel confident about your treatment.

About the Author

Dr. Cline earned his dental degree from Creighton University. He has since taken advanced training, helping him offer sedation dentistry to the Idaho Falls community. Dr. Cline will pair you with the right one, so you can feel relaxed while you get the oral healthcare you deserve. If you want to know more about how he can help you with your treatment, schedule an appointment or call his office at (208) 487-5987.