Not everyone enjoys visiting a dental office. Dental phobia is known to be one of the prime factors that discourage people from going for a routine dental visit in the United States. As a result, the oral health is compromised and there is increased risk of dental infection. Sedation dentistry techniques are methods that can help patients receive treatment by keeping them in the most comfortable and relaxed state. The sedative that is administered can push the patient to a state of semi-sleep where he/she will be conscious but completely relaxed. Among people who have dental phobia, some people are scared of the thought of visiting the dentist itself while in others particular sounds or smell in the dental office can trigger anxiety. Irrespective of the cause for fear, there are many sedation methods to help all patients receive quality care in a safe environment. Is fear bothering you or any of your family members from getting your decayed tooth treated? Have you ever skipped your routine dental visit? Make no delay in contacting our Sonoma office. Our team can let you relax with a suitable sedation method and treat the root cause of your problem.

How is sedation method used in dentistry?

Sedatives are chemical agents that can keep a person in a relaxed state of mind. Depending on the strength of the sedative, different levels of relaxation can be achieved while the patient is in semi-conscious state. Patients can normally be able to respond to verbal commands and physical stimuli when under sedative. Some sedatives can let patients completely forget what happened during the treatment process. Since most of the dental procedures can be performed with the patient in conscious state, sedation dentistry helps patients greatly by keeping them free from anxiety, while our dental team is busy working towards improving their oral health.

Sedation techniques – Concerns and considerations

Before administering/recommending a sedative to a patient at our Sonoma office, our dentist makes a note of the medical history. Based on the anxiety level of the patient, a suitable sedation method is recommended. Patients may also be given guidelines related to diet and do’s and don’ts which need to be followed before and after sedation dentistry treatment. It is important for patients to follow the guidelines to ensure effective and safe treatment.

What are the different types of sedation methods?

Sedation methods are generally classified as mild, moderate and deep sedation techniques based on the level of relaxation achieved. Nitrous oxide sedation, oral sedation and IV sedation are few commonly used varieties.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation

Nitrous oxide is commonly called laughing gas. This gas creates euphoric effect when it is inhaled with oxygen. The gas is supplied through a nose hood. Patients can quickly recover after the treatment is complete. This sedation is completely safe and requires less monitoring.

Oral Sedation

Through oral sedation a patient can be put into semi-conscious state where he/she is capable of responding to verbal commands. The patient feels completely relaxed and the treatment may seem to have completed quickly. The patient may have to be brought to office and taken back home by caretaker. It is recommended not to drive automobiles, operate on machinery or perform any physical exercise for prescribed number of hours before and after the treatment. Our team monitors the pulse rate, blood pressure level and respiration of the patient during the treatment.

IV Sedation

Intravenous Sedation is a method where the sedative is directly administered into the veins through needles. Through this method of sedation, the dental team has the advantage of controlling the level of relaxation achieved by controlling the amount of sedative administered. The patient’s pulse rate, blood pressure level and respiration will be observed to ensure safe and effective treatment.

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