When Patients Benefit From a Calming Solution
As we touched on above, we could prescribe a calming option for people who have special needs or high levels of anxiety, which can make undergoing even minor procedures a difficult process. This is also helpful if someone has an overactive gag reflex that can cause discomfort during treatment. If a patient is undergoing a more extensive treatment, such as dental implant placement or tooth extraction, then a calming medication can help make the process a comfortable one, and can be used in conjunction with a local anesthetic.
Choosing the Best Treatment Options
What factors go into choosing a sedation option for our patients? Our team will look at your medical and dental history, any medications you are currently taking, and also assess your anxiety levels. We take age and weight into account too, and other factors that could impact the success of our sedation options.
Common Calming Options
The most common and mild form is nitrous oxide, sometimes referred to as laughing gas. This is administered through a mask over your nose. You inhale the gas and enter a state of calm and euphoria. The effects are immediate and can be adjusted during treatment, they also wear off once the procedure ends, so you can return to work or school and even drive yourself. You remain conscious and able to respond to the dentist, but have little memory of the procedure itself.
For a deeper state of calm, we could offer oral conscious sedation, taken in a pill or liquid form before the procedure begins. You are conscious but more relaxed and may have no memory of the procedure. The effects take time to wear off, and you need to have a friend or family available to take you home.
The deepest form available is IV sedation, administered intravenously. You enter a very deep stare of calm with no memory of the procedure at all. Again, you will need someone on hand to bring you home afterward as the effects take time to wear off. If you have any questions about our sedation options, then contact our team today to learn more.
Schedule Your Next Appointment Today!
Our team wants to help our patients enjoy a positive experience in the office. If you want to start treatment, schedule appointments for each of you at Grand Avenue Dental in Gainesville, TX at (940) 668-9000 today!