Types of Sedation Dentistry

    PORTLAND, OR, June 30, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- You may have heard the term sedation dentistry and are interested in the benefits of undergoing anxiety-free dental work. However, your options may seem vague at best or you may be completely unaware of what sedation dentistry entails. The goal of sedation dentistry is very simply to help you feel relaxed during a procedure which might otherwise cause you concern. But different sedation methods yield different results.

IV Sedation

IV or intravenous sedation is sedation delivered during the procedure via IV. While under the influence of IV sedation, you will likely be in a state of semi-consciousness. That means that you will be able to hear the dentist, respond to questions, and comply with directions or requests. You will not be able to move around or walk, but the effects of IV sedation disappear as soon as the IV is removed.

After the procedure, you are likely to remember very little or nothing of the events that transpired. Many patients feel that, for particularly long procedures, IV sedation is beneficial. Your dentist may offer IV sedation if you experience extremely high levels of anxiety regarding dental work.

Oral Sedation

In pill form, oral sedation has more residual effects than IV sedation. You will be given an oral sedative and instructions to take the sedative approximately an hour before your procedure is scheduled to begin. If you are using oral sedation, you cannot drive an automobile for several hours, and you may choose to find a dentist with available town car service, or ask a friend or relative to drive you to your appointment.

While under oral sedation, you will feel generally relaxed and free from anxiety. You will be essentially lucid, but may behave as though you have had a few alcoholic drinks.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, has been a popular tool for dental sedation for decades, and continues to be a favored form of sedation dentistry. Nitrous oxide is delivered via a nasal tube or mask while you are undergoing your procedure. While under the influence of nitrous oxide you may feel very relaxed, talkative, or sleepy. Despite the name, you are unlikely to be seized by fits of laughter, but instead will feel generally light-headed and carefree.

Each of these types of sedation may be combined with the other two, but it is very common to combine nitrous oxide with oral sedation for patients who experience dental procedure anxiety. Because of its ability to make the dental office a pleasant experience, sedation dentistry may be considered one of the top 10 reasons to stop putting off your dental work.

Please visit the website of sedation dentist Dr. Sue Wendling today at www.drwendling.com to learn more about sedation dentistry available to patients in Portland, Lake Oswego, and West Linn, Oregon.

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