Sedation Dentistry for Dental Phobia: Options and Considerations

For patients with dental phobia, sedation dentistry can reduce or eliminate fear and anxiety. It can also make it easier for them to undergo treatment.

Sedation dentists are specially trained to administer sedative medications and monitor their patients throughout procedures. They may have additional training to work with special needs patients and children.

Oral Sedation

Fear or anxiety about visiting the dentist can prevent people from receiving necessary dental care. Sedation dentistry is a safe and effective way to address these concerns so patients can receive the dental treatment they need for long-lasting oral health.

Oral sedation dentist Raleigh involves taking medication before your appointment to make you drowsy and relaxed. We may prescribe lorazepam, diazepam or oxycodone depending on your needs. These drugs are in the benzodiazepine family and act quickly to reduce anxiety. They also produce mild drowsiness and are suitable for most dental procedures.

We may also prescribe nitrous oxide, often known as “laughing gas,” which is administered through a nose mask. Nitrous oxide is a colorless gas that relieves anxiety and makes you feel calm. It takes effect almost instantly & wears off just as quickly. This is a great option for children since it makes them feel relaxed but awake, allowing them to have a positive association with the dentist.

IV Sedation

If a patient chooses to receive IV sedation, the dentist will administer a drug directly into the bloodstream. Using this method allows the dentist to monitor your vital signs and adjust your level of sedation as needed throughout the procedure. Additionally, this form of sedation often induces a state of total amnesia post-procedure so you will have little to no memory of the treatment.

A thorough pre-sedation assessment is essential to ensuring the safety of patients receiving intravenous sedation. This includes a medical history review, physical examination and recording of vital signs (degree of recommendation: C evaluated by the Working Group on Guidelines Development).

Patients who opt for this type of sedation will need to arrange for an escort to and from their appointment as it may cause drowsiness that could impair coordination. They should also avoid driving or operating machinery until the sedation wears off. Additionally, patients are typically groggy after their procedures and should not return to work until 24 hours have passed.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas,” is a safe and effective form of sedation for children. It is a common option for kids who are anxious about visiting the dentist or have a fear of needles.

It works by decreasing the activity in the brain and inhibiting pain receptors. Using this type of sedation allows our sedation dentist Raleigh to work carefully and quickly on your child’s teeth and gums. It also helps your child stay relaxed and cooperative, so they will be less resistant to treatment.

Once your child’s dental procedure is complete, they will breathe 100% oxygen for 5 minutes to help flush out any remaining nitrous oxide. Once their body has cleared the sedation, they will be ready to leave. They will need to be escorted home by someone, as they may be groggy and not fully alert. The sedation can affect your child’s appetite and ability to drive, so you should have them avoid a meal before the appointment.

Patient Preparation

When a patient is sedated, they remain still and relaxed which makes it easier for the dentist to perform their work accurately without interruption. However, sedation dentistry also comes with some risks that the patient should be aware of before making an appointment for this type of dental treatment.

The sedation dentist will evaluate the patient’s health history to determine if the type of sedation they use is appropriate for their case. This is because some medications can interact with sedatives, and the dentist must take these factors into account.

Patients who choose nitrous oxide or oral sedation dentist Raleigh will need to arrange for transportation to and from the appointment because they will not be able to drive after the procedure is finished. Patients should also plan to bring a trusted friend or family member with them to help them get home after the procedure. Having someone accompany them ensures their safety while the effects of sedation wear off.