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Routine visits to the dentist can be traumatizing for some patients. The scraping of the tooth surface, the loud whir of the dental drill, and continuous sprays of cool water towards the back of the throat can be enough to keep some patients from returning for treatment. This type of intense fear is often referred to as dental anxiety or phobia. According to Colgate, an estimated 15 percent of Americans avoid seeing the dentist due to anxiety. For people who can't cope with a trip to the dentist, sedation dentistry may help. The primary goal of sedatives is to create a sense of calm and relaxation in individuals who are fearful of the environment or have a difficult time handling the pain and prodding that occurs during many treatments. These techniques better control not only anxiety, but also the patient's movement and gag reflex. Patients who undergo this service can also usually tolerate longer appointments without feeling discomfort, which can lead to time and money saved. Here's a look at the most common forms of sedation available today. Inhaled Minimal Sedation Inhaled minimal sedation is one of the most common forms of sedatives used in dental offices. Also known as laughing gas, relative analgesia, and nitrous oxide, this form of sedative involves breathing in a colorless, odorless gas through a mask placed over the mouth and nose. Nitrous oxide works quickly, reaching the brain in as little as 20 seconds and providing relaxation properties after two to three minutes. Oral Sedation Oral sedatives are a highly effective treatment option involving the use of relaxation and/or pain-relieving medications administered orally or placed and dissolved under the tongue. Patients with a fear of needles typically opt for an oral medication, as the process is quick and painless. IV Moderate Sedation Intravenous (IV) conscious sedatives involve administering a drug directly into the bloodstream through a vein. When medication is pushed through an IV into a vein, it quickly induces a state of deep relaxation, sometimes causing partial or full memory loss until the drug wears off. General Anesthesia In some cases, general anesthesia may be needed for severe cases of anxiety. However, the anesthesia used in sedation dentistry is generally less invasive than what's used for medical surgeries. General anesthesia is typically administered via an injection or as an inhalant. The goal of the treatment is to induce a sleep-like state in the patient, often causing the person to not remember the procedure at all. Sedation dentistry allows individuals who would otherwise avoid the dentist to undergo the critical treatments they need to achieve good oral health. There are several forms of sedatives available, ensuring that every patient has a number of effective options available to them if they need it. For more information about forms of sedatives in dentistry, contact a professional in your area that offers this service. To learn more about their options for sedation dentistry, Orange County, NY residents should visit http://creatingdentalexcellence.com/sedation.
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