Visiting a dentist may not always be an easy task for some people. They may hesitate to see a dentist due to a fear building within them for years. But does this mean you should avoid the dentist? This will only deteriorate your oral health and negatively impact your quality of life. 

The general dentist in Sacramento and their team help their patients cope with dental fear and anxiety through sedation. This can be used for simple to invasive procedures for a smooth process without any hassles.

What is dental fear?

Dental fear is a type of phobia that may lead to a series of symptoms like anxiety and restlessness due to any trigger such as a person, place, or event. 

What is sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is a specialized branch that focuses on relieving stress and pain during dental procedures through medications. It helps you stay calm and relaxed so that the dentist can perform dental treatments with ease. It is also called conscious sedation or “twilight sleep” since technically you will be awake, but in a relaxed state feeling carefree. It creates short-term amnesia (forgetfulness) where you will experience insensitivity to pain without the loss of consciousness.

Why is sedation used? 

Dentists often recommend sedation during dental procedures if you suffer from:

  • Dental Anxiety
  • A fear of visiting the dentist
  • Increased gag reflex
  • Extreme tooth sensitivity
  • Feeling of claustrophobia 
  • Decreased sensitivity to local anesthesia
  • Difficulty controlling movements
  • Special needs (behavioral, cognitive, or physical)

What are the types of Sedation? 

The most common types of sedation dentistry include the following:

Nitrous oxide

  • This is commonly known as laughing gas, which is inhaled through a mask. It leads to calming effects within 3 to 5 minutes of inhalation. Once the procedure is over, your dentist will administer pure oxygen to flush out the nitrous oxide.

Oral conscious sedation

  • This method involves oral administration of sedative pills about an hour before the procedure. It may make you feel groggy, and recovery may not be as quick as nitrous oxide sedation.

Intravenous (IV) sedation

  • This is the deepest form of sedation where the medication is administered directly into your bloodstream through an IV line. You may fall asleep and have little to no memory of the treatment when you wake up. 

Dental fear and anxiety are real. It is something that should not be ignored. Discuss your fears and expectations with a dentist who can provide you with sedation to make the most out of dental visits and procedures. Because good oral health is crucial and should not be ignored