Many patients find visiting the dentist to be unpleasant. For some, it is a terrifying experience. Those who have dental fear or even dental phobia are more likely to avoid even regular check-ups, leaving them vulnerable to tooth decay, gum disease, and many other issues.
Sedation dentistry allows patients to relax during their treatment. There are several forms of sedation treatment:
Oral sedation
By prescribing oral sedation with a number of anxiolytic medication or so-called “happy pills”, Dr. Pham can ensure you relax before your treatment and during. Your perceptions will not be impaired. Your vital signs will constantly be monitored with pulse oximeter during your entire dental procedure to ensure you have adequate oxygen intake while under oral conscious sedation.
Nitrous Oxide
Sometimes called “laughing gas,” this sedation method requires you to breathe in a combination of nitrous oxide and oxygen through a mask. This produces a euphoric feeling and an analgesic property that lasts throughout the treatment. The effects wear off quickly, allowing you to function normally a short while after your procedure.
Intravenous (IV) Sedation
This strong analgesic will prevent you from feeling any pain and has any memories afterward, but you will still be able to talk and react during the procedure. You will feel as though you have taken a nap and will remember nothing about the experience. This is most often used on intense procedures and surgeries or in full mouth rehabilitation case which could involve numerous crown preparation, extractions, implant placement, and or bone graft.
After sedation, you may need help getting home. You should not drive or operate any heavy machinery until the sedation has fully worn off.
If you suffer from dental anxiety or so called, “super special patients” according to Dr. Pham, you can relax in the knowledge that sedation or sleep dentistry is available at Harder Dental Corporation. To learn more, please call us today and make an appointment with Dr. Pham to see if sleep dentistry or sedation dentistry is an option for you.
