Everything You Need to Know About Dental Sedation in Acworth, GA

Dental Sedation

For many people, going to the dentist is a source of anxiety. The good news is that there's a solution for those who get nervous at the thought of sitting in the dentist's chair: dental sedation. Dental sedation is a safe and effective way to help you relax during your dental procedure. Read on to learn everything you need about this type of dentistry.

What Is Dental Sedation?

Dental sedation is medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. There are different types of dental sedation, ranging from mild to moderate to deep. The type of sedation that's right for you will depend on your level of anxiety and the procedure you're having.

Some common types of dental sedation include inhaled minimal sedation (laughing gas), oral sedation (a pill taken by mouth), and IV sedation (a medication injected into the vein).

Inhaled minimal sedation, also known as "laughing gas," is one of the most common types of dental sedation. It's a safe and effective way to help you relax during your procedure. The gas is administered through a mask that's placed over your nose. You'll start to feel relaxed within minutes, but the effects will wear off soon after the procedure is over.

Oral sedation is another popular type of dental sedation. It involves taking a pill by mouth before your procedure. The pill will make you drowsy and relaxed. However, you'll still be awake and able to respond to questions or instructions from your dentist.

IV sedation is the strongest type of dental sedation available. It involves injecting a medication into your vein through an IV line. This type of sedation can make you feel sleepy and disoriented. You may not remember much about your procedure afterward because IV sedation can cause amnesia.

Is Dental Sedation Safe?

Dental sedation is safe when it's administered by a trained professional such as a dentist or dental specialist. Side effects are usually mild and temporary, such as drowsiness or dizziness. In rare cases, more serious side effects can occur, such as low blood pressure or an irregular heartbeat.

When Is Dental Sedation Used?

Dental sedation may be recommended if you have a high level of anxiety or if you're undergoing a lengthy or complex procedure. It's also sometimes used for people who have a strong gag reflex or who have difficulty numbing with local anesthesia.

Dental sedation can be a great option for people who get anxious about going to the dentist. It's safe and effective, and it can help you relax during your procedure. If you think dental sedation might be right for you, talk to your dentist about your options.

If you would like to learn more about dental sedation and how it can mitigate your dental anxiety, please give our office a call.