Does the prospect of visiting the dentist make you feel nervous or even afraid? If so, your care team might suggest that you be sedated during your procedure. This can be a great provision that creates an easier, more relaxing experience! Still, if you have never been sedated before, you might be curious about what to expect. In this blog post, you will find answers to five common questions about sedation dentistry.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry involves the use of medications to help you feel relaxed and calm. There are different methods of accomplishing this. For example, nitrous oxide is often used to calm mild dental fears. IV sedation is more powerful and can help patients with moderate to severe anxiety.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?
You may be an ideal candidate for sedation dentistry if:
- You experience significant anxiety before or during dental visits
- You have a low pain threshold
- You need extensive dental work in a single appointment.
- You are free of contraindications that might make sedation unsafe for you. For example, you should not be pregnant or have certain allergies.
What Are Common Side Effects of Sedation Dentistry?
After sedation dentistry, you might feel a bit drowsy or groggy, and some people experience mild headaches or dry mouth. These side effects are typically short-lived and fade as the medication leaves your system. Most patients recover from nitrous oxide within a few minutes, but the effects can last longer with IV sedation. In fact, for moderate or deep sedation, you should have a trusted adult ready to drive you home from your appointment.
How Much Does Sedation Cost?
The cost of sedation dentistry depends on several factors, including the type of sedation used, length of the procedure, and your location. Nitrous oxide tends to be the most affordable, while IV sedation generally costs more due to its complexity and the need for close monitoring. Ask your dental team to provide an itemized cost estimate before your procedure so you know exactly what to expect.
What Does Sedation Dentistry Feel Like?
Different types of sedation produce different feelings. For example, nitrous oxide may make you feel relaxed or even a bit giddy. Some patients experience a tingling or floating sensation. IV sedation is likely to make you very tired; you might even drift off to sleep, though it should remain easy for your care team to rouse you with gentle stimuli.
Do you have other questions about sedation dentistry that were not touched on in this blog post? Talk to your dental team so you can be well-informed about the road ahead!
Meet the Practice
Dr. Katherine Whitaker is certified in IV sedation — in fact, she is the only dentist in a 40-mile radius who offers this service! Under her guidance, our team also provides nitrous oxide to help patients relax. To learn more about sedation dentistry or to request a consultation, contact our office in Corbin, KY, at 606-523-1415.