When to Consider Sedation Dentistry
May 4, 2016
Sedation dentistry has been a technique used for some time, but with recent advances in technology and administration methods, it is now one that more people can benefit from. Whether you are afraid of the dentist or have another situation that keeps you from seeing the dentist as you should, consider sedation to get the care you need.
How It Is Done
Sedation is available in a range of strengths. If you are simply mildly afraid of the dental chair, you can opt for traditional nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas. Perhaps you have a serious fear. In this case, moderate sedation will allow you to remain awake for the procedure, but you may slur your words and you probably will not remember anything afterwards. More serious issues require deep sedation or general anesthesia, which renders you unconscious. With deep sedation, you can still be awakened by a few gentle shakes, but general anesthesia requires medicine to wake you up. Sedation is administered in the form of a gas, a pill to be taken orally, or an IV.
When to Consider It
Sedation dentistry is not just for people who are afraid of going to the dentist. Maybe you are not afraid of the actual dentist, but you have a low threshold for pain, very sensitive teeth, or a bad gag reflex. Sedation can help with all of these situations. Other times, it is used because the patient has seizures, tics, or a mental health ailment that prevents him or her from sitting still for long periods of time. Deep sedation allows these types of patients to get the care they need without causing a safety hazard for themselves or for the staff members in the room.
No matter what your situation is, not receiving proper dental care could set you up for serious health problems in the future. Consider sedation dentistry by contacting Dr. Jean-Claude Kharmouche, a periodontist in Leesburg, VA, at (571) 291-2596.