Many patients experience dental fear or anxiety. This makes it difficult for them to receive the treatments they need to keep their smiles healthy and in good shape. Fortunately, dental sedation gives fearful patients or those who have trouble making it through procedures in comfort. There are a lot of misinterpretations revolving around the field of sedation dentistry, so read on as we debunk three dental sedation myths.
Myth 1: There Is Only One Kind of Dental Sedation
Dental sedation involves the administration of sedatives to help patients feel at ease during dental procedures. Though many people are under the impression that there is only one kind of sedation, there are actually several. Two of the most common types of dental sedation are:
- IV Sedation – With this method or dental sedation, the sedative is administered into the bloodstream through an IV. This kind of sedation is quick acting and, the patient will remain conscious throughout their appointment. Patients tend to have little to no memory of their appointment afterward.
- Nitrous Oxide – This kind of sedation is also called “laughing gas” and is administered through an oxygen mask that’s placed over the patient’s nose. It starts to take effect within a few minutes and gives the patient a calm, warm feeling. The patient is administered oxygen for five minutes after the procedure to clear the gas from their respiratory system and remove any lingering effects.
Myth 2: Anyone Can Be Sedated
Though dental sedation is safe for many patients, there are some cases where they aren’t a good candidate for it. Sedation might not be the best option for you if:
- You have medical conditions that might interfere with the effectiveness of the sedation
- You have an allergy to the sedation medication or it’s otherwise not safe for you
- You are pregnant
Myth 3: Sedation Is Reserved for Complex Procedures
Dental sedation is a great option for patients who are undergoing complex or lengthy procedures, but those aren’t the only times that you can use it. It is also a great option for people who have fear or anxiety revolving around dental treatments. Sedation dentistry is also a great option for people who have trouble sitting in the dental chair for a long time, such as older patients, people with certain disabilities, people who are afraid of needles, and people who have trouble sitting still for long periods.
As you can see, there is a range of untrue dental sedation myths. Now that they’ve been debunked, you’ll have the information you need to go into your dental appointments with the confidence that they’ll be stress-free!
About the Practice
Corbin Family Dental Care treats each and every patient with the personalized care they deserve. They offer a range of treatments to help you protect your smile, repair damage, or improve the look of your pearly whites. They also offer sedation dentistry for patients who need extra help relaxing during treatments and can debunk any dental sedation myths that you have questions about. To make an appointment with Corbin Family Dental Care or for more information on dental sedation, call their office at (606) 523-1415 or visit their website.