For many patients, sedation dentistry makes getting the dental care they need more comfortable, tolerable, and even possible. Sedation dentistry is helpful for patients with dental anxiety, a sensitive gag reflex, difficulty sitting still, or special needs, as well as those undergoing extensive treatment.
Sedation dentistry involves administering inhaled, oral, or IV medications to a patient to help them remain calm and relaxed throughout their treatment. Patients typically remain awake during treatment but are in a state of deep relaxation so they experience minimal discomfort and have very little memory of their treatment.
What Treatments Can Dental Sedation Be Used for?
Dental anxiety doesn’t need to hold you back from receiving the oral care you need. Some treatments that may be combined with dental sedation include:
- Routine cleanings
- Fillings
- Dental crowns
- Root canal therapy
- Tooth extraction
- Dental implant placement
- Scaling and root planing
- Dental veneers
How to Prepare for Dental Sedation
When a patient requests sedation dentistry or sedation dentistry is necessary for a scheduled treatment, we always ensure patient safety and comfort. This involves evaluating a patient’s age, health, and needs to determine if sedation is appropriate and the medication dose that would be safe. We monitor your vitals during treatment and will provide specific instructions before your treatment as well as tips to care for yourself after your appointment. For example, we recommend patients wear comfortable clothes and plan on resting after their appointment. Some sedation may require you to have someone drive you to and from your appointment.
Sedation Dentistry at River Stone Dental
Are you nervous about going to the dentist? Dental sedation can help you get the oral healthcare you need to maintain a clean and healthy smile. Please contact our team at River Stone Dental to learn more about dental sedation for your visit. We look forward to hearing from you!
