In addition to helping patients remain calm, sedation dentistry can also improve the results of dental work
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Millions of people worldwide suffer from dental related anxieties, but you don’t have to be one of them. To help you to relax in the dental chair, we offer sedation dentistry in Independence. Although dental sedation might seem scary, safety is our first priority here at Dental Excellence, and your medical history and needs will be carefully evaluated before a sedation method is chosen.
Dental sedation is the science of using medicine to calm patients and relieve pain during their dental appointment. Because every patient is different, some people require much less sedation medication than others, which is why our doctors carefully evaluate your dental problems and previous sedation history before any medication is given. Sedation ranges from minimal sedation to general anesthesia, during which patients are put to sleep completely.
Nitrous Oxide Commonly referred to as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is an inhaled form of sedation that has mild analgesic properties. When you inhale nitrous oxide, the gas crosses through the blood-brain barrier and disrupts pain receptors, providing you with pain relief. Nitrous oxide also helps people to feel relaxed, warm, and happy. One of the best things about nitrous oxide is that it completely dissipates from the body within five minutes after the gas stops flowing, which means that patients can drive themselves home after their appointments without worrying.
Some patients need heavier sedation, which is why oral sedation is sometimes prescribed. Oral sedation involves taking prescribed medication orally before your appointment to help calm your nerves. The type of medication you are prescribed depends on your level of anxiety, your prior medical history, and the type of work being performed.
For patients that need an even deeper form of sedation, IV sedation may be used. IV sedation involves having an IV during your appointment to deliver anesthetic intravenously. Many dentists work with nurse anesthetists to deliver medicine bedside while carefully monitoring the level of anesthesia and the vital signs of the patient.
Sometimes, complex dental procedures need to be performed under general anesthesia in order to protect the patient and to create a comfortable experience. During general anesthesia, doctors give you medicine to help you to fall asleep, and then they place a small tube down your throat to help you to breathe. Dental work performed under general anesthesia is conducted in the hospital.
In addition to helping patients to remain calm during appointments, sedation dentistry can also improve the results of the dental work. When patients are comfortable and still, the dentists can work more effectively. Sedation dentistry is also safe and inexpensive.
If you need to have dental work done but you are nervous about the appointment, talk with our clinicians today about sedation dentistry in Independence, MO. Dental Excellence is currently accepting new patients, and we would love the chance to get to know you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!