Which Dental Sedation Is Right for You?

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Sedation can be used for numerous dental procedures, ranging from tooth extraction to deep cleaning to periodontal surgery. If you think that you might benefit from sedation dentistry, then you should schedule a consultation with Long Island Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry to discuss your options. These are some of the sedation techniques that you can choose from:

Nitrous Oxide

If you have only mild dental anxiety, nitrous oxide may be the best sedation option for you. Commonly referred to as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is a sedative gas that, when inhaled, makes a person feel lightheaded and calm. The gas works by slowing down your reaction time and keeping you from feeling panicky. Nitrous oxide generally has no noticeable side effects, as long as it is administered by a trained professional. You will still be alert and able to communicate with your dentist during the procedure, and some patients are even able to drive themselves home afterward. Your dentist can also adjust your level of dosage as needed.

Oral Sedation

If you have more serious dental anxiety, or if you are scheduled to undergo a lengthy procedure, then your dentist may recommend oral sedation. With this option, you will take an oral medication such as Valium several hours before your appointment. If you opt for oral sedation, you will need to review your medical history with your dentist in order to ensure that you are a good candidate for sedative medication. For example, oral sedation may not be a good option for people who are pregnant or who have a heart condition. You will also need to arrange to have someone take you home following the procedure, as it will not be safe for you to drive yourself.

IV Sedation

Intravenous, or IV, sedation involves injecting an anti-anxiety medication at your dentist’s office right before your treatment. This option puts the patient in a “twilight” state, so that they can react and communicate during the procedure but will probably have little to no memory of the experience afterward. If you have severe dental anxiety, or if you need to undergo a highly invasive procedure, then your dentist may recommend that you opt for IV sedation. As with oral sedation, you will need to be driven home after your appointment.

If you have questions about sedation dentistry on Long Island, call Long Island Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry. We offer state-of-the-art sedation options to help ensure that our patients are always comfortable during their appointments. Our team of experienced dental professionals is here to make sure that you get the capable care you need, so you can continue to enjoy the benefits of having healthy teeth and gums.

Would you like to learn more about your dental sedation options? Contact our Long Island office today to set up a one-one-one consultation.

Additional Resources:

1. Colgate.com, What you should know about IV sedation at the dentist’s office, https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/anesthesia/is-iv-sedation-dentistry-right-for-you
2. WebMD.com, Sedation Dentistry: Can You Really Relax in the Dentist’s Chair?, https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/sedation-dentistry-can-you-really-relax-in-the-dentists-chair#1