If you’ve ever experienced the stress and anxiety of dental fear, you know how real these feelings can be. There’s no point pretending they don’t exist or trying to suppress these emotions to get through a dental visit. You can, however, overcome your anxieties and fears through sedation dentistry. At The Smile Company, we offer sedation dentistry services to help our patients enjoy stress-free and painless dental procedures. These FAQs from your sedation dentist, Dr. Thorpe Jacob, detail more about sedation dentistry and how it can benefit you.
What is sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry makes use of medication to help people relax during dental procedures to minimize anxiety, stress, and fear. It enables you to cope with dental anxiety so you can receive the dental services you need to keep your smile strong and healthy.
What types of sedation are used in sedation dentistry?
At The Smile Company, Dr. Jacob and our team offer the following sedation options:
- Oral sedation: Oral sedation is a pill given an hour or so before treatment. It takes about 30–45 minutes to take effect. This pill makes you drowsy, which helps relieve tension, anxiety, and fear. You may doze off during your treatment but awaken easily with a slight nudge. As the effects of oral sedation can linger after your treatment is complete, you’ll need a driver to take you to and from your appointment.
- IV sedation: IV sedation involves administering sedative drugs directly into a patient’s bloodstream through an IV, inducing a deep state of relaxation. This approach is frequently selected for its rapid onset and flexibility in adjusting the level of sedation, thereby making dental procedures significantly more comfortable for the patient. The safety of the procedure is ensured through continuous monitoring by trained professionals. Since the effects of IV sedation can last beyond the completion of your treatment, it’s essential to arrange for someone to drive you to and from your appointment.
What dental procedures can be performed using sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry can be used for all types of procedures, including dental cleanings, fillings, root canals, extractions, crowns, and periodontal therapy. It can be especially helpful for lengthy treatments like implants.
Who can benefit from sedation dentistry?
If the thought of seeing a dentist produces stress, anxiety, or fear, you can benefit from sedation dentistry. If you have a strong gag reflex, are sensitive to pain, or can’t sit still for long periods, you’re also a good candidate for sedation treatments. Sedation dentistry makes it easier to endure dental treatments with less discomfort and pain. It can give you positive dental experiences so you won’t fear future dental visits.
What are the risks involved in sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry comes with minimal risks. The medication may cause drowsiness, headaches, nausea, dry mouth, or short-term memory loss. Overall, sedation dentistry is safe and effective when working with an experienced sedation dentist near me.
Where can I find a dentist near me who offers sedation dentistry?
Contact our experienced implantologist Dr. Thorpe Jacob from The Smile Company at (864) 756-9448 for painless, stress-free dental visits.
