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Painless Dentistry Is the Solution to Your Fear
If you are scared of the dentist and you think it is better to endure tooth pain than see one, you better think twice. You are not alone in this circumstance and that is why Painless dentistry, also known as sedation dentistry, is very essential in allaying your fears. It involves the use of special medication on you during dental procedures so that you will be relaxed and won’t have any discomfort. Some people refer to it as sleep dentistry but this is not right because you will be awake after administration except your dentist administers a general anesthesia on you.
Common Levels of Sedation Dentistry
Painless dentistry has different sedation levels including minimal sedation which ensures that you are conscious but relaxed. There is moderate sedation which makes you partially unconscious. Deep sedation puts you at the edge of being conscious but it is possible to wake you up while general anesthesia makes you absolutely unconscious.
What Kind of Sedation Do Dentists Use?
The various types of sedation discussed below are used in Painless dentistry.
Inhaled Minimal Sedation
This involves the breathing in of nitrous oxide (a.k.a. oxygen gas) blended with oxygen. And your doctor administers it through a mask positioned on your nose. The gas puts you at ease and your dentist has the ability to adjust the quantity of the gas you inhale. The gas is disposed to wearing off fast. And inhaled minimal sedation is the only sedation that your dentist can administer on you with the opportunity of driving home yourself after your treatment.
Oral Sedation Dentistry
Another type of sedation used in Painless dentistry is known as oral sedation. It can be minimal or moderate depending on the dose that your dentist will administer. Usually, you will require to take a pill about an hour before your dental procedure. After taking the medication, you will feel drowsy but you will still be conscious. If your dentist near me uses a moderate dose on you, you may fall asleep but can wake up with just a little shake.
IV Moderate Sedation
This is a sedative process that is administered through the vein usually in your arm. It starts work quickly and gives your dentist the opportunity to control the sedative level.
Deep Sedation And General Anesthesia
Your doctor will give you some medications which will ensure that you are nearly or completely unconscious. During the administration of general anesthesia, you will not wake up until the effect of the anesthesia is fully gone or reversed with another medication.
Local Anesthesia
Local anesthesia helps to deaden the treatment area not minding the type of sedation your doctor administers on you. This will ensure that any pain that may be associated with the procedure is alleviated.
Who Can Have Sedation at the Dentist?
Sedation is ideal for people with anxiety and fear for dental procedures. It is perfect for those with minimal pain threshold and people who cannot sit still on the chair of a dentist. People with sensitive teeth or bad gag reflex will also benefit from Painless dentistry. Your dentist may also sedate you if the dental work that he will be carrying out is enormous.
At times, children are sedated if they’re scared of the dentist or not cooperating at the time of the visit. Nitrous oxide is common among children because virtually all dentists can use it. While pediatric dentists receive special training in oral sedation for children. It is important to note that oral sedation is safe for children. If limited to the recommended dosage in accordance with age and weight.
Can Any Dentist Perform Sedation?
A lot of dentists can give sedation minimally, such as the administration of nitrous oxide and pills. A lot more can also administer moderate sedation but only a few can administer deep sedation and general anesthesia. Usually dentists qualified to administer this two sedation must have finished the Commission On Dental Accreditation (CODA) program in deep sedation and general anesthesia.
How Safe Is Painless Dentist Near Me?
General anesthesia comes with some risks but it is safe if administered by a competent painless dentist near me. However, if you are obese or have intruding sleep apnea. You should speak with your doctor before they administer sedation on you. This is because these conditions can expose you to complications after the administration of anesthesia.
Check Credentials
It is very essential for you to be certain that your emergency dentist has proper training and certificates to handle the type of sedation that they will administer on you. Your dentist should also examine your medical history in order to determine your eligibility for the procedure. They will also examine the current medications you are taking. As it will determine the type of sedation that they will use for you.
Furthermore, you should not hesitate to ask for the dose that they will use for you in accordance with your health status and age. It should be in conformity with the dosage recommended by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is not out of place to know the level of training of the dentist. And the number of sedative procedures he/she has carried out. If you discover that your dentist has carried out so many procedures. It means you are seeing the green light.
Before your dentist will administer sedation on you, he will give you a form containing all the relevant risks. It is very important for you to study them properly. And ask questions bothering your mind. Your dentist will be very glad to clear any area that may be unclear to you if you endeavor to ask.
During the procedure, the dentist should closely observe your critical signs. In accordance with the guidelines of American Dental Association (ADA). There should also be provision for oxygen and necessary drugs. That your dentist can use to reverse the sedative effect if needed.
Conclusion
Painless dentistry has no doubt helped a lot of patients go through many dental processes, including cosmetic dentistry, without fear. It has eliminated the discomfort that characterized many procedures in dentistry. However, in order to get highly recommended result. You should search for a board-certified dentist to handle your dental treatment involving sedation.