Are you afraid of going to the dentist? If so, you are not alone in your fear. Many people find that their entire body tenses up with fear when it is time to go to the dentist. Some people are so afraid of going to the dentist that they find it almost impossible to relax once they get there. For people who find it chronically difficult to relax, one solution involves sedation dentistry.

Defining Sedation Dentistry
When a dental professional uses sedation dentistry in Scottsdale to help patience relax during their procedures. This level of relaxation is achieved through the use of medication. Although sometimes commonly referred to as “sleep dentistry,” patients are awake during most of the procedures performed during sedation dentistry in Arizona.

Types of Sedation Dentistry

There are several types of “sedation dentistry.” They include:

  • Inhaled minimal sedation: In this type of dentistry, a patient is asked to breath nitrous oxide combined with oxygen. A patient inhales the “laughing gas” through a mask that is placed over their nose. This type of sedation is preferable to people who must drive themselves home after the procedure.
  • Oral sedation: For the minimal amount of oral sedation, patients take a pill. The pill used is typically Halcion, which has similar affects on the body as Valium. Although a patient may be drowsy, they are typically still awake. For patients who require a greater degree of sedation, a larger dose is given, and these patients may end up falling asleep.
  • IV moderate sedation: In moderate sedation, a patient is given a sedative through an IV. This type of sedation works more quickly than oral sedation, and it can be continually adjusted during the procedure.
  • General anesthesia: During this type of sedation, the patient will be asleep through the entire procedure. This is typically reserved only for painful surgeries or severe procedures.

Reasons for Sedation Dentistry
Some people are simply fearful or anxious when they enter a dentist office, even if they are aware that they do not need to be afraid. Other people may have extremely bad gag reflexes that may interfere with dental procedures. Other patients may have sensitive teeth and a lack of reaction to numbing agents.

Advantages to Sedation Dentistry
The greatest advantage of sedation dentistry is that it allows patients to have multiple procedures performed at once. A patient will not have to schedule different visits to have cleanings, implants and chipped teeth repaired.