If you need a surgical procedure at a dentist’s office, then using sedation might be recommended. Some of these surgeries include root canals or wisdom teeth removal. Sedation dentistry is also appropriate for anyone who has a fear of dentists or is unable to sit still during a procedure. Children who aren’t able to remain inactive during cleanings may need sedation, and senior citizens with dementia conditions may also need sedation dentistry. Sedation at the dentist’s office typically requires the use of oral medications that you make you relax and feel drowsy. During a procedure, you are not totally aware of the process, and despite sitting in a dental chair for a long amount of time, it may only feel as if the procedure required a few minutes.
Relax Your Jaw with Sedation Dentistry
In the past, dentists didn’t have any type of anesthesia to give patients, leading to a fear of pain. Patients who are afraid will clench their jaws along with their other body parts, making any type of dental procedure more difficult and time-consuming. You may take a capsule or tablet that contains drugs that will help you to relax, or alternatively, a dentist can inject medication directly into your oral tissues. Patients have a form of amnesia after taking the drugs, and they are less likely to gag or vomit during surgery.
Our Dentist Monitors Your Body’s Vital Signs
You might wonder if sedation dentistry is safe for you or for a child, but dentists who provide this service are highly trained in determining the proper dosage. It is important for your dentist to have your medical history before a dental procedure is performed to determine if you have an underlying health condition such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes mellitus. When you are receiving sedation, your body’s vital signs are monitored closely so that the dentist and her assistants will understand your oxygen level, heart rate and blood pressure. If you are visiting your routine dentist, then you will probably feel calmer during a procedure, but if you must visit a different dentist for an emergency, then you may feel more anxious.
Intravenous or Gas Sedation
Occasionally, a dentist must administer sedation with a gas method or intravenously, but the professional will use extra precautions during the process. In some cases, you may feel groggy after a procedure that included sedation, and if you have slow reflexes, then you may need to have someone else drive you home. After dental surgery with sedation, you may have a dry mouth, nausea or a headache, but these problems go away within a few hours. Your dentist may give you pain relievers to take at home, so if you sleep during your recovery, then you will typically feel better the next day.
Schedule an Appointment
At Metro Dental Health in Fairfax, Va., Dr. Jaklin Bezik offers sedation dentistry methods for her patients. Contact us today at 703-934-4474 to learn more about our dental services.
