If you suffer from dental fears and anxiety, you are not alone. Over 2 million Americans report some type of discomfort at the thought of undergoing dental procedures. Some of this anxiety is so crippling that it causes people to put off going to the dentist, resulting in a need for more care over time.
Sedation Dentistry: Getting You Through the Process
Conscious sedation helps to keep you comfortable during various dental procedures. Those who have anxiety around treatment and those who must undergo lengthy procedures benefit from this type of therapy. Conscious sedation dentistry uses specific inhaled gases and other substances to keep you awake and in a more relaxed state of mind. Unlike general anesthesia, you are still somewhat aware of your surroundings, and able to respond to questions from your care providers to determine how comfortable you are during treatment.
Benefits of Conscious Sedation
There are several benefits that come with choosing endodontist sedation. Some of these benefits include:
Reduction in fear and anxiety
A single unpleasant encounter or event in the dental chair can set someone up with a lifetime of struggle around dental care. Conscious sedation allows for a reduction in stress and anxiety, making dental work easier to get through.
Reduced pain and discomfort
Long, complicated procedures can be uncomfortable. Whether you can’t handle sitting for long periods of time or you have sensitive gag reflexes and a low pain threshold, the use of conscious sedation can improve your experience by dulling pain and discomfort.
Safe Procedures
Procedures for safe and effective administration are a top priority in conscious sedation. The patient remains in control of the experience while giving dentists and caregivers feedback about comfort levels.
Quick Recovery
Unlike general anesthesia, where the effects take hours to wear off, recovery time is quick and efficient. After-effects of various sedation substances usually wear off within minutes of a complete procedure, allowing you to get on with your day.
Sedation Options
Conscious sedation generally has three leveled options for administration. Your dentist will listen to your concerns and make recommendations for care based on your needs. Choose from:
- Minimal sedation–provides relaxation while allowing you to retain full consciousness
- Moderate sedation–provides relaxation, yet you may feel groggy when responding to commands
- Deep sedation–provides deep relaxation much like sleep, yet your dentist can still awaken you if necessary
A variety of substances are used in endodontist sedation. Medications are administered through inhalation, oral medication, injection, and even IV administration for deep sedation. Common gases and drugs used in sedation include:
- Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
- Midazolam–decreases anxiety and causes fuzzy memory around the procedure
- Propofol–Used for quick procedures, as it is fast acting
- Ketamine–Reduces memory and relieves pain and discomfort
- Dexmedetomidine–Used for deep sedation while allowing a patient to retain consciousness
Your dentist will work with you to determine the best course of action for your procedure while allowing you to choose the sedation option that you determine to be safe and effective.
No More Delays: Let Us Make Your Experience Easier!
Putting off dental work is a choice that can have a significant impact on your overall health. At Long Island Endodontics, we provide sedation dentistry in Long Island and the surrounding area, serving our valued clients with the utmost professionalism and attentiveness. Put those dental fears aside once and for all; with services including sedation dentistry, root canal therapy, and restorative care, we’ll restore your smile to its most brilliant once more. Contact us today to set an appointment, and look forward to a healthier smile.
