Do you feel nervous or uneasy when visiting the dentist? Do you have a big dental procedure coming up? Sedation dentistry is a great method for managing dental anxiety and helping patients feel more comfortable at the dentist.
Dental sedation utilizes medication to help patients feel relaxed, comfortable, and at ease during dental appointments and procedures. It is a safe and effective treatment that can be used for a variety of situations.
Common Types of Sedation Dentistry
There are several levels of sedation dentistry, ranging from mild to deep sedation. The right type of sedation depends on a patient’s health history and unique needs.
- Nitrous Oxide – Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is the mildest form of sedation. Nitrous oxide is administered through a mask placed over the patient’s nose. This form of sedation helps patients feel relaxed and slightly disconnected, and is safe for nearly any age. Its effects wear off immediately after the mask is removed so a patient can drive themselves home afterwards.
- Oral Conscious Sedation – Oral conscious sedation is a mild to moderate form of sedation. Patients are prescribed a pill to take before their appointment. This type of sedation can make patients drowsy so they will need assistance getting home.
- IV Sedation – IV sedation is a deep form of sedation. It is administered through an IV drip into the patient’s bloodstream. It provides a deep, sleep-like level of relaxation. They will likely have little memory of their treatment.
Safe Sedation Dentistry in Fort Smith, AR
At Southern Dental Fort Smith, we offer safe and effective sedation dentistry in Fort Smith, AR. We aim to help patients feel relaxed and comfortable during their dental appointments and procedures. If you have a low pain threshold, a strong gag reflex, or dental anxiety, or have a complex dental procedure coming up, you may be a great candidate for sedation dentistry. Please contact our office to learn more about dental sedation!
