subject: What Is Sedation Dental Care? [print this page] The use of sedation dental care has made it possible for many people who desire a nice smile to obtain the cosmetic dentistry that they have longed for. Even in today's practically painless dental procedures, many people suffer extreme anxiety when they are seated in the dentist chair. The anticipation of pain and for some the vision of needles and blood cause an anxiety that makes it all but impossible for them to endure even the most conservative dental procedures.
Once only used by specialists for complicated procedures, sedation dental care is becoming more easily obtained. There are several different methods of sedation used in dental care; one of the most commonly used substances is nitrous oxide and oxygen, or laughing gas. The use of laughing gas has made it much easier for those with anxiety problems to endure cosmetic dentistry or necessary dental care.
Laughing gas may make the patient light headed and giddy during the procedure but they are normally allowed to drive immediately following the visit. Oxygen is administered before, during and after the procedure and the patient is conscious the whole time. This heightens the safety of this method of sedation dental care since the patient can communicate any problems to the dentist during the procedure. This form of sedation dentistry works well for cosmetic dentistry as well as other dental procedures.
Oral conscious sedation dentistry is another choice that many people opt for. This method of sedation dental care involves the use of an oral relaxant being administered such as Valium or Versed. For those with moderate to severe anxiety this method of sedation dental care works well. The drawbacks with this form of sedation dental care is that the patient will need to ride with someone to the appointment and will also need a ride home. This sedation method also allows the patient to remain conscious during the procedure which allows communication between the dentist and patient.
IV conscious dental sedation is another option for patients. This works much quicker to relax the patient than oral conscious sedation dental care. The patient remains conscious during the procedure but is relaxed which allows the dentist to get more work done faster. IV conscious sedation dental care is sometimes used for cosmetic dentistry as well as for medically necessary procedures.
It is possible to get general anesthesia as a method of sedation dental care but it is not as common as oral conscious sedation. If you require general anesthesia to sedate you during your dental care you will probably need to be referred to a dentist or oral surgeon who has the necessary training and facilities to perform this service. General anesthesia is sometimes used in cosmetic dentistry but its use is normally reserved for complex procedures involving trauma to the mouth and teeth.
With the advancements in sedation dental care, it is possible for even the most timid to receive the cosmetic dentistry procedures that they want to improve their smile. Many times sedation dental care creates a form of amnesia during the dental procedure that allows the patient to forget the entire procedure even though they are awake the entire time. This can help alleviate anxiety when the patient needs dental procedures in the future.
by: Frank Adams
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