Types of Sedation Dentistry

When patients suffer from dental anxiety, it can affect their oral health. Without proper dental care, patients can get cavities and gum disease. That’s why sedation dentistry is so important. When patients receive dental sedation, they do not feel any pain or discomfort, so they are more likely to receive comprehensive, comfortable dental care. Patients also receive fewer dental appointments because sedation dentistry allows them to get the dentistry they need in one appointment.

Sedation dentistry refers to the use of sedative, anti-anxiety, and/or painkiller medication during a dental appointment. Sedation dentistry provides patients with a safe, anxiety-free way to receive dental treatment. 

Our Sedation Dentistry Options

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a colorless gas with a slightly sweet odor that is delivered through a mask over the nose. When inhaled, patients feel euphoric and relaxed, which is why it is commonly used during dental procedures. Patients remain awake but feel no pain.

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation dentistry is the act of using oral sedatives to help patients feel relaxed during procedures. Most dentists usually prescribe oral sedation for patients who are extremely nervous about their dental appointments or who need several procedures completed at once.

Oral sedation dentistry is usually administered through a pill, or liquid that you can take about an hour before you arrive at the dentist’s office. This pill is designed to relax your nerves, which could help you feel calm during your dental procedure. However, this sedation method is not strong enough for some patients, so other sedation methods may be offered instead.

IV Sedation

IV sedation is a deeper form of sedation dentistry. During the procedure, the dental professional will administer a sedative medication intravenously. This medication is a controlled sleep medication that will enter the patient’s body in the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, the sedative medication will depress the brain and body. Since the medication enters the bloodstream, the sedative medication works quicker than an orally administered sedative.

With IV sedation, the patient will fall asleep. The patient will remain asleep through the procedure and wake up once the procedure is concluded.

General Anesthesia

Deep sedation, also known as general anesthesia, involves administering medication to induce a deep state of relaxation. This method of sedation dentistry is ideal for those who are undergoing extensive dental work or those who are very anxious or nervous about undergoing dental treatment.

Contact Fear Free Dental in Portland, Oregon, for the best dental care. Call Dentist in Portland, OR at (503) 291-0000 or visit 4455 Sw Scholls Ferry Rd Suite 101 Portland, Oregon, 97225 to schedule an appointment.