Do you experience dental anxiety? Find out if sedation dentistry is right for you.
Would your rather deal with a chronic toothache than pay a visit to your dentist? If so, you’re not alone. Many people have a fear of sitting in the dentist’s chair, whether it’s for a necessary dental procedure or just a teeth cleaning.
Fortunately, when you visit a dentist in Vancouver WA like Padden Dental, you have options for sedation dentistry to help you relax and enjoy your experience while at the dentist. Sedation dentistry, sometimes called sleep dentistry, uses medicine to help patients relax during dental procedures. There are several different types of sedation methods, and outlined below are some of the most common types to consider:
- Inhaled minimal sedation: Patients with this type of sedation are given nitrous oxide, which is otherwise known as laughing gas. It’s administered through a mask that is placed over your nose. The gas is simply used to help you relax and wears off quickly following the procedure.
- Oral sedation: With this type of sedation, the patient will take a pill approximately one hour prior to the procedure. Typically the pill is Halcion and will make you drowsy, although patients are still awake during the procedure.
- IV moderate sedation: This type of sedation is received through a vein using an IV, which allows it to take effect quickly.
- Deep sedation/general anesthesia: When patients are given general anesthesia, they are unconscious/deeply asleep during the procedure.
Naturally, there are a number of questions that can come along with the topic of sedation dentistry, and we invite you to contact us at Padden Dental, your dentist in Vancouver WA, for answers to these questions. We want you to feel as comfortable as possible during your visit with us.