If you’re one of the millions of Americans who avoid dental care because of anxiety or fear, dental sedation may be an option for you. Dental sedation is a technique that helps patients relax and feel comfortable during dental procedures. In this blog post, we will discuss what dental sedation is, how it works, and the different types available.

Debilitating Dental Fear

Dental fear or anxiety is a real thing, and it’s more common than you might think. In fact, dental fear is estimated to affect approximately 36% of the population, with a further 12% suffering from extreme dental fear according to the National Library of Medicine.

Causes of Dental Fear

For many people, the thought of sitting in a dental chair is enough to trigger a panic attack. As a result, they avoid going to the dentist altogether, which can lead to a number of oral health problems down the road. Other causes include:

• A traumatic dental experience or other healthcare experience
• Previous trauma to the head and neck
• Other traumatic experiences, including abuse
• Generalized anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder
• The view that the mouth is a personal area and accessing the mouth is an invasion of personal space
• Fear of loss of control
• Trust issues
• Anxiety that is due to other conditions such as agoraphobia (fear of being in situations where you feel you cannot escape), claustrophobia (fear of closed spaces) or obsessive compulsive disorder where there is an obsession around cleanliness.

What is Dental Sedation?

Dental sedation is a way to help patients relax and feel comfortable during dental procedures. There are different types of dental sedation, ranging from light sedation (or anxiety relief) to deep sedation (or unconsciousness). The type of sedation will be determined by the dentist based on the procedure being performed, the level of anxiety of the patient, and other factors.

How Does Dental Sedation Work?

Dental sedation works by relaxing the body and mind, making it easier for patients to tolerate dental procedures. The level of sedation can range from light sedation, where the patient is still awake but relaxed, to deep sedation, where the patient is unconscious. The type of sedation will be determined by the dentist based on the procedure being performed and the level of anxiety of the patient.

Types of Dental Sedation

There are different types of dental sedation available, ranging from light sedation to deep sedation. The type of sedation will be determined by the dentist based on the procedure being performed, the level of anxiety of the patient, and other factors.

Inhalation Sedation: 

Also known as laughing gas, this type of sedation is inhaled through a mask that is placed over the nose. The gas helps to relax the patient and make them feel lightheaded. The effects of inhalation sedation wear off quickly.

Oral Sedation: 

You take a pill for oral sedation prior to the procedure. The effects of oral sedation can last for several hours, so patients will need someone to drive them home after the procedure.

Deep Sedation:

Deep sedation is also known as unconsciousness. It can help patients who experience severe anxiety or have a fear of needles. Deep sedation techniques include: Intravenous (IV) Sedation: IV sedation is administered through a small needle that is placed in the arm. The medication is delivered directly into the bloodstream, which helps to relax the patient and make them feel drowsy.

General Anesthesia: 

This type of sedation goes through an IV and puts the patient to sleep for the entire procedure. General anesthesia is typically for more invasive procedures, such as surgery.

How Dental Sedation Helps with Fear

For many people, dental sedation is an effective way to reduce fear and anxiety so that they can receive the dental care they need. Dental sedation can help to:

• Relax the body
• Reduce gag reflex
• Ease pain and discomfort you feel more comfortable during the procedure
• Shorten the length of the procedure

Dental Sedation with Premier Dentistry of Eagle

We understand that not everyone feels at home at the dentist office. Many people suffer from dental anxiety or simply feel nervous about their treatments. To help you feel more relaxed during your appointments, we offer sedation dentistry in Eagle, Idaho. Dr. Shane S. Porter and our dental team will make certain that you feel comfortable throughout your time at our office. To learn more and to discover whether sedation dentistry is right for you, contact Premier Dentistry of Eagle today!