Sedation dentistry is a useful approach for those who become very nervous at the dentist, especially while getting work done. Sedation is also useful for oral surgery, making the procedure more comfortable. If you have dental anxiety or must have surgery on your mouth, talk to your dentist about sedation.
Choosing the Right Sedation Method
Your oral surgeon will probably provide more than one option for sedation. These options usually include IV sedation, nitrous oxide, or sedation using a pill. IV sedation and nitrous oxide do not require any planning ahead of time. With a pill, you will have to take it before your appointment. IV and nitrous sedation are administered in the office.
Both IV and nitrous sedation allow you to have your work performed in comfort. You will be completely relaxed, and time will seem to go more slowly. You will not be unconscious, as sedation is different from general anesthetic. Sedation will be used in conjunction with local anesthetic for both restorations and oral surgery to ensure the least amount of discomfort possible during your procedure. The choice of which option to use lies with you and your dentist. For example, if you have a fear of needles, nitrous oxide might be a better option. Your dentist might also have a preference based on his preferred methods and upon your individual health history.
Advantages of Sedation
The most obvious advantage of sedation is that you will feel much more comfortable while you’re having work done. At the same time, you’ll be able to respond to questions and instructions. With IV or nitrous oxide sedation, you might even be able to drive yourself home, since both these methods wear off very fast. However, it might be best to have someone take you to and from your appointment in case you feel unsteady, faint, or woozy after your appointment. This is particularly true with IV sedation.
Call us at Northern Virginia Oral, Maxillofacial and Implant Surgery today for more information about our sedation options.
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