Are you worried about your upcoming dental treatment? It is common to feel anxious before periodontal surgery, dental implant placement, or other advanced procedures. But you don’t have to let anxiety prevent you from getting the care you need or make the experience more stressful than it has to be.
Sedation dentistry is a safe and effective way to improve your level of comfort prior to and during your procedure. With the help of nitrous oxide, conscious oral sedation, or IV sedation, your experience can be more relaxing.
Progressive Periodontics and Implant Dentistry offers multiple sedation options tailored to each patient's needs. This article provides the information you need to determine if sedation is right for you and which type would be most effective for your procedure.
Why Sedation Dentistry Is Often Recommended for Complex Procedures
Some periodontal procedures are more complex than others. For example, a deep cleaning is relatively simple, but dental implant placement and periodontal surgery are much more involved. Complex procedures are not only more invasive, but they take longer, making sedation a helpful tool.
Patients with dental anxiety, sensitive gag reflexes, or difficulty sitting through lengthy appointments can benefit from sedation. Not only will you feel more relaxed, but time will seem to pass more quickly as you are less aware of what is going on around you. Sedation can make it easier for both the patient and the clinical team to complete treatment efficiently.
Understanding Your Sedation Options
When it comes to sedation there are a few different options:
- Nitrous oxide (laughing gas): administered through a mask placed over the nose. Provides a calming sensation that takes effect quickly and wears off quickly.
- Oral conscious sedation: taken in pill or liquid form for your appointment. This provides significantly higher level of sedation than Laughing Gas. You are still conscious, but mentally calmer and typically last multiple hours to varying degrees. Most patients will not remember much of anything about their procedure afterwards.
- IV sedation: administered intravenously. Provides a much deeper level of sedation for advanced procedures when appropriate. Most patients will not remember anything about their procedure afterwards.
Local anesthesia is still used during the procedure with the Sedation drugs to maximize a pain-free experience. Your periodontist will discuss with you the best type of sedation for you based on the type of treatment and your personal preferences.
What to Expect Before, During, and After Your Appointment
During your pre-treatment consultation your complete medical history will be reviewed including any medication you are currently taking that may affect treatment or sedation. Once an option is decided upon, you will be provided with instructions to prepare for your appointment.
Preparations for your appointment are unique to the type of sedation.
Plan to rest for the remainder of the day and will need to arrange transportation if you have oral or IV sedation. For nitrous oxide, most patients feel comfortable returning to their regular daily activities immediately following treatment.
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
The sedation options we provide are proven safe for most patients. We carefully consider your medical history to ensure that sedation is safe for each patient before your appointment. If you have concerns about certain types of sedation, discuss all of your options with our team to determine what you’re comfortable with. As an experienced periodontal specialist, we have completed extensive training in safety protocols and will carefully monitor patients during treatment.
Don't Let Anxiety Keep You from Getting the Care You Need
Dental anxiety is common, but it doesn’t have to get in the way of your oral health. Sedation dentistry helps patients comfortably complete necessary periodontal and implant procedures with minimal stress. Schedule a consultation today to discuss your treatment plan and sedation options with Progressive Periodontics and Implant Dentistry.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sedation Dentistry
Will I be asleep during sedation dentistry?
With nitrous oxide you are conscious, but very relaxed. While under deeper forms of sedation, such as oral and IV sedation, you are technically conscious, but typically not fully aware.
Can I drive myself home after sedation?
It is necessary to arrange for transportation if you are having oral conscious sedation or IV sedation. When it comes to nitrous oxide, many patients are able to resume their regular activities immediately following treatment.
Is sedation only for patients with dental anxiety?
Sedation is also beneficial for lengthy, complex periodontal and implant procedures, patients with sensitive gag reflexes, and those seeking greater comfort during treatment.
How should I prepare for a procedure with sedation dentistry?
Your periodontist will provide specific instructions based on the type of sedation you will receive. These may include avoiding food or drink for several hours beforehand, adjusting certain medications. You will need to arrange for someone to drive you home depending on the sedation being provided.
Does sedation dentistry help if I have a strong gag reflex?
Yes. Sedation dentistry can help relax patients with a sensitive gag reflex, making it easier to complete periodontal or dental implant procedures comfortably. Your periodontist can recommend the most appropriate sedation option based on your needs.
Will I remember my procedure after sedation?
It depends on the type of sedation used. Patients receiving nitrous oxide typically remember most of their appointment, while oral or IV sedation may leave you with little or no memory of the procedure, helping reduce anxiety about treatment.
At Progressive Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, we are committed to making advanced periodontal and dental implant care as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Our experienced team takes the time to understand each patient's needs and recommends personalized sedation options to help ensure a safe, relaxing treatment experience. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.