Sedation Dentistry Taming Dental Anxiety

Over 15 percent of U.S. residents do not properly care for their teeth because they suffer from dental anxiety. This fear of the dentist (or more to the point fear of the dental treatments) can lead to more severe dental problems. Some issues that contribute to dental phobia include: fear of needles and drills, concern over anesthesia side effects, inability to remain in the dentist's chair for extended periods of time, feelings of helplessness, and the inability to give up (perceived) control.

If you suffer from dental anxiety, there are now options in dental sedation that may help you overcome your dread of the dentist. Advancements in sedation dentistry techniques allow patients to choose from different methods, with varying effects.

Some popular relaxation techniques used in dental offices today are listed below.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide is a simple solution for relaxing an anxious patient. Patients who choose this option of sedation are typically able to drive themselves home after treatment since the sedative effect wears off once the gas is turned off. Many patients prefer this method of sedation since it provides them with a relaxed state during the procedure, but does not keep them feeling drugged throughout the day.

Oral Sedation
Oral sedation typically involves a patient taking a prescribed pill about one hour prior to his/her appointment. These pills are fast acting and safe and may be used in conjunction with laughing gas (nitrous oxide), which can make both medications even more effective. This combination is often good for patients who have such a high level of anxiety that the act of just coming to the dentist can be overwhelming. However, it is important that patients have someone else drive them to and from the appointment since the effects of the drugs can hinder response time.

I.V. Sedation
Usually reserved for longer and more complicated dental procedures, I.V. sedation requires that the administrator of the drug have special training. Patients with a fear of needles may not find this to be a good method of sedation for them. However, patients who do undergo I.V. sedation are able to have enough awareness to follow the dentist's instructions, but most rarely remember much of the procedure after it is finished.

General Anesthesia

For those undergoing serious cosmetic surgery, general anesthesia is the only real option. Used in many other types of surgery, anesthesia is used to put the patient to sleep during surgery. This allows the dentist to complete all of the necessary dental work in a single session, instead of having to complete it in multiple visits. General anesthesia is not administered in a dentist's office since it must be used in a hospital or certified outpatient surgical center.

If you are considering sedation dentistry, it is important to find a cosmetic dentist who is skilled with sedation techniques.