Have a Comfortable & Painless Dental Visit
Do you have anxiety that prevents you from going to the dentist for dental care? You’re not alone. As many as 50 to 80 percent of American adults have dental anxiety. However, patients who avoid receiving necessary dental treatment out of fear of pain and discomfort risk developing serious oral health complications in the future.
At Whidbey Dental Associates, our Oak Harbor dentists provide two types of sedation dentistry: IV and oral sedation to help patients with dental anxiety relax during their visit. Read our guide to learn how you can benefit from sedation dentistry.
What Is Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry consists of methods and techniques to provide patients with states of calm and relaxation. Sedation dentistry allows patients to undergo dental treatments and procedures without fear and anxiety. With dental sedation, you’ll see your dentist and get the care you need to keep your oral health at its optimal.
Types of Sedation Dentistry
IV Sedation
Intravenous (IV) sedation is a safe and effective method of sedation applied through an IV. With IV conscious sedation, our patients can overcome their dental anxiety reaching a comfortable level of relaxation.
During your initial consultation, Dr. Wirth will answer questions regarding the procedure and discuss your sedation options.
Oral Sedation
Oral conscious sedation involves taking oral medication before your treatment. By the time of your appointment, you’ll feel calm and at ease. The effects of this dental sedative typically last longer than those of nitrous oxide, so you’ll need to secure reliable transportation home.
Benefits of Sedation
In addition to relieving stress and anxiety, sedation provides a variety of benefits for our patients, such as:
- Experiencing no pain from invasive procedures
- Having little or no memory of the procedure
- Being awake and responsive during the procedure
- Easy application and adjust the dosage to your comfort
Sedation Process
When you come to our Oak Harbor dental office for your procedure, we’ll ensure you’re comfortable before administering the sedation. Once you have reached a comfortable level of sedation, we’ll begin your procedure. While the IV and oral sedation we offer is conscious sedation, some patients feel so relaxed that they become drowsy.
Candidacy for Sedation
Sedation may be ideal if you’re nervous about going to the dentist. Generally, dental sedation is best for patients who:
- Require extensive or invasive dental work
- Have a fear of needles or dental instruments
- Sensitive to the noise and smell of a dental office
- Have a strong gag reflex
- Had a traumatic experience receiving dental care in the past
Frequently Asked Questions
The amount of time it takes to return to normal activities after receiving dental sedation varies depending on the type and dosage of sedation used. For oral and intravenous (IV) sedation, you’ll need to rest for several hours after the procedure.
It’s important to follow your dentist’s instructions and not engage in driving or any physically strenuous activities until you have fully recovered from the sedation, usually within 24 hours. If you have any questions or concerns, it’s best to consult with your dentist.
IV sedation is the safer option. General anesthesia has an additional risk of losing consciousness, which is why it’s typically reserved for more invasive surgeries. Still, conscious sedation does have risks like changes in heart rate and blood pressure, respiratory depression, and potential allergic reaction.
As long as an experienced dentist is administering the medication, you can rest assured that you’re receiving the proper dose for the best results. The dental team will monitor you throughout the procedure to ensure you feel safe and comfortable.
The effects of sedation can take around 24 hours to wear off after your procedure. As the sedation wears off, you may experience one or more of the following:
- Nausea
- Drowsiness
- Headaches
- Dry mouth
During this time, your dentist will instruct you to stay hydrated, well rested, and avoid any activities that could harm you or another person.
Ask your provider to discuss sedation options and help you decide if sedation is the best option for you during your care.