Does your heart start pounding at the mere thought of having a cavity filled? Do you get sweaty palms when you drive by a dental practice?
Many individuals who have improved their smile with cosmetic dentistry or underwent extensive restoration services chose to use sedation. Though the terms ‘sleep dentistry’ and ‘oral conscious sedation are often used interchangeably, they are not identical. Let’s explore the three main types of sedation used in dentistry.
Nitrous Oxide
The first level uses nitrous oxide, or ‘laughing gas’ as it is frequently called. Nitrous oxide has been used in cosmetic dental offices for generations because it is safe and effective. It goes to work at the first inhalation, relaxes the patient during the treatment, but wears off quickly after the mask is pulled off. If you need a little help to get through dental care, but don’t want to be knocked out cold, nitrous may be the ideal choice.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral sedatives don’t start working as swiftly as nitrous oxide, but they help most patients achieve a deeper level of tranquility. These medications, however, do not usually bring about complete unconsciousness. Thus, oral sedatives and nitrous oxide are used in ‘conscious’ sedation. Two of the most frequent sedatives used by Chesterfield dentists are diazepam and triazolam.
IV Sedation
IV sedation uses medications similar to those used in surgery and results in true ‘sleep dentistry.’ Most patients are unaware to what is happening in their mouth. IV sedation is often used for procedures such as root canals, wisdom teeth extractions, and multi-procedure smile redesigns. (The sedation will wear off shortly after the procedure, so you won’t need a handsome prince’s kiss to wake you up.)
For more specifics about sedation dentistry, adult braces, tooth implants, or porcelain veneers, call Town and Country Cosmetic Dentistry and Implant Center at 314-576-0088
Contact Town and Country Cosmetic Dentistry and Implant Center:
314-576-0088
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
14377 Woodlake Dr Ste 205
Chesterfield, Missouri
28036
