Sedation Dentistry: The Path To Dental Freedom

While everyone experiences some degree of fear about something in their life, dental fear is the main reason many individuals forego seeing their dentist. While some have had traumatic dental experiences as a child, others feel shameful and embarrassed about their oral health, and fear being ridiculed. On the other hand, some worry that they will need time-consuming or costly dental treatments. Even so, if you’re afraid of going to the dentist, sedation dentistry provides a path to dental freedom.

To ease patients into dental treatment, dentists utilize varying levels of sedation dentistry, including:

• Nitrous Oxide
• Oral Conscious Sedation
• IV Sedation

To better understand, nitrous oxide (paired with oxygen) is a minimal form of sedation that is administered through a mask placed over the nose. As patients inhale the gas mixture, they become calm and relaxed, as the nitrous oxide “takes the edge off.” Following their dental treatment, patients are alert and are able to drive themselves home.

Typically given in pill form, oral conscious sedation has the ability to provide both minimal and moderate sedation. For instance, if a patient has a high level of dental anxiety, the dentist may suggest taking two pills. In this case, two pills (typically Halcion) provide a moderate level of sedation.

IV sedation is administered intravenously, and is considered a moderate level of sedation. Dentists are able to monitor and adjust sedation levels throughout lengthy procedures and treatments using IV sedation.

You Can Receive The Dental Care You Need And Deserve

Do you have a real, legitimate fear of going to the dentist? Are your teeth sensitive? Perhaps you have a bad gag reflex, or a hard time sitting still in the dentist’s chair. Whatever the case, sedation dentistry makes it possible for you to receive the dental care that you need and deserve.

At Pleasant Plains Dental, Dr. Henry Ernst and his team provide comfortable dentistry with soothing sedation options including nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation. Along with a variety of modern amenities such as flat screen TV’s, music headphones, Wi-Fi access, pillows, blankets, and warm-scented towels, you’ll feel at ease at Pleasant Plains Dental. Call us today!

Posted on behalf of Dr. Henry J. Ernst, Pleasant Plains Dental