How to Stay Calm During a Dental Exam

It probably will come to no surprise that over 60% of people dread going to the dentist. One may question why this doctor in particular is so feared compared to others, but it’s not a hard thing to understand. Is there anything like teeth and mouth pain? Especially for patients that have had to withstand receiving numbing shots in their mouth, it can definitely leave children and adults alike traumatised and wishing to avoid such an event again. But you should never avoid the dentist forever. This can have last impacts on your teeth health, and by avoiding preventative measures, can cause small problems to become very large ones. Maestri Family Dental, your local Lafayette dental practice, is no stranger to anxious patients, and is experienced with helping calm each one, no matter the age. Sedation dentistry has become a somewhat new practice across dental practice, and Maestri Dental is happy to provide this option.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sometimes called “sleep dentistry”, sedation dentistry is when patients are given medication to help relax during dental procedures. Despite the name sleep dentistry, most patients are fully awake unless they are under general anesthesia. It is also a proven method to help patients undergo dental procedures, who otherwise would experience great anxiety.

Who Should Consider Sedation Dentistry?

Anyone who feels anxious about visiting the dentist or having procedures done should definitely look into asking for this sort of assistance. Others who may want to consider are those who can’t stand a lot of pain, struggle with a gag reflex, have sensitive teeth or gums, or can’t sit still for long periods of time in a dental chair.

What are the Different Types of Sedation Dentistry?

Inhaled sedation – this one is usually what you think of when you think of dentists and laughing gas. Technically it is nitrous oxide that is placed on you via mask. The dentist controls the amount that you received during the visit, and it is something that wears off rather quickly when you are finished. This is also the only kind of sedation dentistry where you’re allowed to drive home after.

Oral – This is medicine that you will take orally before your appointment, and does require someone else to help with driving. Typically the dental office will give you the medicine the day before your appointment, so you will have it on hand. Many times the medication used is Halcion, which is related to Valium. It does not knock you out though, so you will feel awake but calm during your procedure. Although some patients may fall asleep, they can usually be awakened easily with a gentle shake.

IV sedation – this varies between moderate and high sedation. As the name implies, you are given medication via IV, which will reach your bloodstream quicker and affect you sooner. The dentist has control of how much medicine will enter your IV. If you choose high sedation, you will be completely unconscious during your procedure. In order to regain consciousness, you will need to wait until the anesthesia wears off, or you can be given more medication to reverse the effects.

Stay Calm for Your Next Visit

If it’s been a little while since your or your child has visited the dentist, Masestri Dental is ready to see you with no judgement. Especially if you are concerned about experiencing anxiety, we have procedures in place to offer you sedation dentistry. There are a variety of options we can offer so that you and your family will feel safe and relaxed to complete their dental procedures. We want to make going back to the dentist normal, and relaxing, again.