Are you afraid of the dentist? You’re not alone; over a third of people in the United States have a fear of undergoing any sort of dental treatment. As such, the idea of being able to simply sleep through a dental appointment can be an appealing one for many individuals. But is this really an option? Here’s a closer look at how your dentist can make your next visit a much more relaxing one via sedation.
Can You Be Put to Sleep During a Dental Treatment?
In some cases, yes, you can indeed be put to sleep for a dental procedure. This involves a sedation option known as general anesthesia, which can only be administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist. Thus, your dentist will need to call in such a specialist if you wish to go completely to sleep for the duration of your treatment.
That said, it is worth noting that nowadays, dentists typically offer multiple forms of conscious sedation. Instead of putting you to sleep, conscious sedation simply lets you enter an advanced state of relaxation. You’ll no longer be anxious, but you’ll still be capable of following any instructions your dentist might give you.
What Types of Conscious Sedation are Available?
The deepest form of conscious sedation is IV sedation. It involves delivering the sedative directly to the bloodstream via a blood vessel in the hand or arm. It typically takes effect very quickly and can put you in a deep state of relaxation where you are less aware of what’s going on around you.
Not only does IV sedation allow you to remain deeply relaxed in the dental chair, but once it wears off, you may find that you don’t remember what happened during your treatment. This can make IV sedation the next best thing to actually being put to sleep at the dentist’s office. Bear in mind, though, that since it’s so strong, it’s typically only recommended for patients with severe dental fears or anxiety as well as those who require more complex forms of care.
If you would prefer a lighter form of sedation to keep more mild feelings of anxiety under control, nitrous oxide sedation is often worth considering. This approach involves breathing in nitrous oxide mixed with oxygen through a nasal mask, which can help take the edge off your treatment. Unlike with IV sedation or general anesthesia, the effects of nitrous oxide wear off within minutes once the sedative stops being administered, thus allowing you to return to your normal routine sooner.
Whether it involves putting you to sleep or not, sedation dentistry can go a long way toward helping you overcome your fear of dental care. Talk to your dentist today to find out what forms of sedation are available at their office.
About the Author
Dr. TJ Sprague earned his dental degree at the University of Oklahoma Health Science Center. He is an active member of the dental community and holds a membership with the Academy of General Dentistry. His Broken Arrow practice, Berkshire Dental Group, offers nitrous oxide sedation and IV sedation to help patients stay relaxed during their appointments. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Sprague, visit his website or call (918) 250-9528.