For many people, seeing a dentist brings fears and apprehension. Most of these fears are unfounded but some have a valid reason for their existence. Dental fear may occur because a person has had a traumatic visit with a dentist in the past. Other people might be scared of the potential pain and discomfort that can arise from having their mouths worked on. Dental patients might have a fear of needles, drills, and other dental equipment and supplies. Sedation Dentistry Woodbury NY can help a person relax so he can have a more relaxing and comfortable visit to his dentist. A person that has trouble keeping still can also benefit from being sedated during a dental visit.
There are four main types of sedation used today on dental patients. The type and amount used depends on many factors including the age and health of the patient, the weight of the patient, and the degree of anxiety or phobia. Oral sedatives such as diazepam are given to the patient either the night before a dental visit or about thirty minutes before a dental exam starts. Since these medications don’t provide pain relief, this medicine is given in conjunction with an injection of a local anesthetic. Intravenous (IV) sedation is administered in conjunction with a local anesthetic as it does not provide pain relief. When an IV is used, a needle is placed into a patient’s vein on the back of the hand or on the arm. The medicine flows into the body through the needle in the vein. With nitrous oxide sedation, a patient inhales this colorless, odorless gas in through the nose to induce a state of relaxation. Again, this method is used in combination with a local anesthetic to relieve pain. General anesthesia renders a patient unconscious.
There are four degrees os sedation. Anxiolysis refers to a light sedation and occurs when a sedative such as nitrous oxide is inhaled. Conscious sedation occurs when a patient is awake and able to respond but extremely relaxed. Deep sedation happens when a person is between a conscious and an unconscious state. Unconsciousness is when a patient is not able to respond to commands and needs help breathing because the airway closes during this state of consciousness.
Having sedation available when you see a dentist will help you relax and have a more pleasant visit.
