While most people understand why dental work is necessary, there is still a lot of anxiety surrounding the idea of being in the chair. Fear of the dentist, also known as Dentophobia, can prevent some patients from getting the treatment they need. Neglecting gum disease and other oral problems can result in serious health conditions. This is why we offer sedation dentistry to those who need it.
Sedation dentistry provides a number of options to the nervous patient to put them at ease during their dental visits.
Nitrous Oxide
Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is commonly used in dental procedures. It works quickly and effectively, and the effects wear off completely after use of the gas has been discontinued for a few minutes.
Oral Sedation
Oral, or pill sedation, involves the patient being provided a pill to take prior to their appointment. They will be allowed to relax in the chair until the medication takes effect. The effects linger, so the patient will need a ride home.
IV Sedation
This is another sedation route where the sedative is provided to the patient directly through a vein. IV sedation can provide much deeper sedation than other methods. The patient is still awake, but has reduced awareness of the situation, and will require a ride home afterward.
In addition to helping patients relax, sedation dentistry can help suppress the gag reflex for those who typically have trouble with it. This is particularly helpful for any procedure that requires an extended period in the chair.
If you are due for a procedure and suffer from dental anxiety, please contact us and let us know. The periodontists at Periodontal Associates of Memphis can recommend a type of sedation that is right for you.