Sedation Dentistry
The idea of a visit to the dentist can be more painful than a toothache. Are you anxious when making an appointment with the dentist? Have you developed a real phobia of dental treatments? Scheduling an appointment for Escondido Sedation Dentistry could be the answer to all your problems.
Reasons to Seek Sedation Dentistry
There are several reasons why 50% of people consider dental care as the last alternative in the list of their health needs. They are not alone. Many people have a real phobia about dental care and often prefer to go through life without getting dental treatments.
Most dental clinics offer its patients several types of Sedation Dentistry to help reduce the anxiety associated with dental treatments. Sedation Dentistry is an appropriate method in cases of real fear and anxiety that prevents the patient from seeking essential dental care.
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How Can Sedation Dentistry Help?
Dental sedation can also be applied to cases such as:
- Low tolerance to pain
- Nervousness and difficulty staying still
- Very sensitive teeth or gums
- Tendency to choke easily
- History or extended or prolonged dental treatments
Nitrous Oxide – Is It Beneficial?
During this type of procedure, the patient is awake but relaxed during the treatment period. He or she will inhale nitrous oxide given by their Escondido sedation dentist, better known as laughing gas, combined with oxygen, through a mask placed on their nose. This gas is colorless, non-irritating and has a slightly sweet odor.
It facilitates relaxation and eliminates the patient’s fear, nervousness and tension caused by his or her apprehension about dental treatments. Moreover, the patient remains in complete control meaning they are aware and can follow the instructions of the dentist. It provides a firm foundation for faster dental care, with comfort and safety.
Benefits of Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide works very quickly. It reaches the brain within 20 seconds after the application of the mask and the benefits of relaxation and pain relief are felt after 2 or 3 minutes. Nitrous oxide is a great tool because its increases in dosage allows the dentist to provide the desired coverage easily.
This action is called the “appropriate titration” and is essential to patient care and comfort. This technique allows precise control of the sedation medicine administered at any time during treatment. Some other techniques in application do not allow these adjustments.
The effects of nitrous oxide are, therefore, virtually instantaneous and can be easily reversed with the addition of oxygen (as needed).
Other Sedation Methods Compared to Nitrous Oxide
Other sedation techniques have long recovery periods, such as tablets and intravenous fluids which, even after discontinuation of treatment, may continue to work. This is not the case with nitrous oxide (laughing gas) that is administered for the exact length of time required to perform the necessary treatment. There is no side effect or hangover since the body removes the effects of the gas after 3 to 5 minutes.
This means that the patient can drive safely without worrying about having an escort on the day of their appointment. People who receive treatment should not be sedated with nitrous oxide. Its use is of no consequence for epileptic patients with kidney problems, diabetes, heart disease and cerebrovascular disease.
Contraindications of Nitrous Oxide
There are cases where nitrous oxide is not recommended:
- When people are not comfortable with the effect of laughing gas or they strongly fear losing control or if the gas makes them nauseous.
- Since sedation occurs through the nose, it cannot be imposed on individuals who breathe almost strictly through their mouth, or those who have a stuffy nose, colds, severe congestions, allergies, or other conditions. This could upset them and render the sedation ineffective.
It is important to provide accurate and complete information when discussing your medical history with an Escondido sedation dentist to assess your disposition to this type of sedation.
How Do People Know if Sedation Dentistry is Right for Them?
The first thing to do when looking for a sedation dentist in Escondido is to find a clinic or provider that offers this service with a high success rate. This service is designed to meet the dental needs of patients and their families. Why not ask for a consultation to know the effects and make an informed decision during your next appointment?
The costs of sedation are set according to the length of time required to administer the sedation and several insurance companies cover this expense anyway.
Is Oral Sedation a Viable Option?
For the anxious patient, their other option (besides laughing gas), is an oral one. When it comes to oral sedation, the patient will take a pill before being seen. This new treatment addresses anxiety and fear associated with dental procedures. It allows dentists to perform each treatment more comfortably than any patient could have ever imagined.
The first visit is where the dentist and patient will learn about each other. The patient will answer basic questions and make an appointment to have the procedure done. In some cases, the dentist may want to go ahead with the procedure.
At the beginning of the session, the patient will receive oral medication. This pill should put him or her in a state of relaxation. Throughout the treatment, the clinic’s specially trained team will monitor their patient continuously.
As sedation begins to work, the patient will fall asleep. They will, however, maintain a level of awareness sufficient for patient security and cooperation. After treatment, they will have almost no memory of the procedure. Patients often describe oral sedation as a half-awake state but one in which they can move, speak and respond to verbal demands.
Advantages of Oral Sedation Dentistry
The most important advantage is that this procedure is simple and safe. It can rid anxious people of the fear that prevents them from seeing their dentist regularly. The dental treatment will be comfortable and relaxing for the patient as well.
Patients undergoing a sedation dental treatment are more likely to return to their dentist for routine care and are less likely to neglect their dental health. It reduces and even prevents oral health problems that worsen to the point of needing major dental treatments.
Lastly, the dentist can do a lot in one sitting and the patient will not have any negative memories of the experience.
Our Promise to You
The Smile Gallery practices the Art of Fine Dentistry. We work to ensure our patients have the most relaxed and comfortable experience possible. Our individualized patient attention means you receive the best care possible. Our friendly staff is ready to greet you warmly, set you at ease, and create a level of comfort and customer service rarely seen in the dental industry.
We understand patients who have dental anxiety and have been working for years to provide the safe, comfortable environment that makes you want to see your Escondido dentist a few times a year or anytime your teeth need dental services.