What is sedation dentistry?
Often referred to as sleep dentistry, conscious sedation dentistry allows you to enter a state of relaxation while staying awake during the procedure. It’s a combination of medicine that reduces your anxiety and blocks pain during your dental procedure. Unlike general anesthesia, you’re able to respond to your dentist's questions and commands.
How can conscious sedation be administered?
Your dentist can administer conscious sedation orally, intravenously, or through inhalation. Depending on your procedure and condition, Masters Dental Group will select which sedation method is best for you.
- Oral Sedation
- Oral sedation is the form of anesthesia that is typically associated with sedation dentistry. This form of anesthesia is induced through swallowing a pill (typically Halcion or Valium), and ranges from minimal to moderate sedation. Your dentist might advise you to take the pill about an hour before your procedure because it takes some time for the effects to set in. Although oral sedation makes you very drowsy, you remain conscious throughout the procedure.
- IV Sedation
- Your dentist injects intravenous (IV) sedation directly into the bloodstream, making the effects immediate. This form of sedation is most commonly used for shorter treatments. It often makes you feel as though you’ve slept through the entire procedure, even if you were awake for parts of it. With IV sedation, it’s not uncommon to feel sleepy even after the sedatives are withdrawn.
- Nitrous Inhaled Sedation
- Being the most nominal option in sedation therapy, inhaled sedation tends to wear off quickly. It’s achieved by breathing in nitrous oxide (also known as “laughing gas”) combined with oxygen through a mask. Nitrous oxide is a safe and effective option that reduces discomfort and anxiety during your dental procedure, and can be used with children or adults.
What are the benefits of sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry helps to calm your nerves and reduce anxiety while your dentist performs the procedures. In some cases, patients’ conditions require a multitude of procedures that typically would require multiple appointments. Utilizing sedation techniques, your dental staff can perform all your needed dental work during one single appointment.
With their vast variety of sedation techniques, Masters Dental Group customizes your experience so not only are you comfortable and relaxed during your visit, but you are more than satisfied with your results leaving their office. They are your leading dental care providers in the San Antonio area. Call Masters Dental Group or schedule an appointment online.
