Sedation dentistry involves using medication to help patients relax during dental treatments. Patients who undergo sedation usually feel entirely relaxed but are still conscious enough to respond to questions and follow directions from their dentist.
At Polin Dental, while our patients are under sedation, we ensure they are monitored carefully and given the appropriate medications for their level of anxiety or discomfort.
The most common type of sedation used in dentistry is oral conscious sedation. This sedation option uses medication you take orally about an hour before your appointment to help you feel relaxed during the treatment.
Nitrous oxide is a gas inhaled through a mask placed over your nose. While you can breathe normally under its influence, you will feel extremely relaxed and calm during your procedure. This type of sedation will also help with any pain you may feel from your procedure that day.
General anesthetics may be the only choice for patients with very high anxiety levels who can’t receive any other types of sedation for dental procedures. These medications are given through an IV line and will put you into a deep sleep for several hours. You will need someone else to drive you home and stay with you for the rest of the day due to the dizzy or sedated feeling that will likely follow.
There are many reasons why a patient might choose sedation dentistry. For patients who suffer from dental anxiety, severe gag reflex, or a fear of needles, nitrous oxide or oral conscious sedation might be a good option. For patients who require lengthy or complicated procedures that might cause discomfort or require extended appointments, deeper sedation options may be recommended.
Regardless of the reason you choose it, sedation can help make your visit more enjoyable. Many patients undergoing sedation during their appointment report feeling like the treatment or procedure only lasted a few minutes, while other patients have no recollection of the procedure at all.
Another benefit of sedation is its ability to help patients who may be unable to cooperate due to age or physical disability. Children who can’t sit or keep still long enough for a dental exam are ideal candidates for sedation dentistry. Patients with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or a mental disability that make cooperation difficult can also benefit from sedation dentistry.
With sedation, patients can have dental appointments without anxiety or discomfort. For the best dental care customized to your particular needs, visit dentist in Boca Raton, FL at Polin Dental at 2600 N Military Trl #320 in Boca Raton 33431 or call (561) 997-2323.