How Important is Dental Sedation

Are you one of those patients who feels too nervous about visiting a dentist, fearing that the procedures would be painful? We get many patients at our practice who are quite anxious when they sit in the dental chair. Although it is a common misconception that most dental procedures involve pain, we take a few extra measures to ensure our patients have the most pleasant experience when they visit us; one such measure is dental sedation.

What does dental sedation involve?

Many people believe that sedation is always used to bring about deep sleep or numb the body's tissues to avoid pain. However, sedation can also be used for minor purposes - to calm the patients' nerves, induce a feeling of relaxation, or induce partial sleep during a lengthy dental procedure. Some of the prominent types of sedation that we offer are gaseous sedation(using nitrous oxide), oral sedation using pills, and intravenous sedation.

Gaseous sedation/ Nitrous oxide?

Nitrous oxide is the most widely used dental sedative. It is used for minor procedures and in situations where the patient is anxious during the treatment. The sedative induces a feeling of calmness, which lasts for a few hours. Nitrous oxide is provided in a gaseous form, and the patient can inhale it from a comfortably fitting mask. Once the drug takes effect, even the most ordinary things start to appear funny, and the patient would naturally relax. It doesn't have any adverse effects and would wear off by itself.

Sedation Using Oral Pills and Intravenous Injections

These means can be used to induce medium to deep sleep. When it comes to oral pills, the dentist will assess the condition and prescribe a suitable sedation dosage. Patients will have to come to the dental practice with an empty stomach, as the drug could have adverse effects if you eat before the treatment. Once the drug is administered, it would ideally require a few minutes to take effect. Based on the dosage, you would slip into a partial or deep sleep. It is best to bring along a friend or family member to drive you home, as you could be feeling dizzy from the sedative.

Please schedule an appointment online or call us at (775) 882-0635 to consult with our dentist, Dr. Leonakis, and we will be happy to help.