Is Sedation Dental Treatment Safe?
The introduction of sedation during dental procedures has made it easier for you to get dental treatment without having to experience pain. Although this treatment is not new, people don’t know much about it. This article will highlight the types of sedation dentistry available and whether or not it is safe for you.
What Is Sedation Dental Treatment?
Sedation dentistry is a procedure carried out before starting a dental operation so that you feel little to no pain. The treatment allows patients with dental phobia to relax, giving the dentist time to focus on the procedure. Patients are usually awake during the process, except for general anesthesia.
Types of Sedation Dentistry
Intravenous (IV) Sedation
IV sedation is used to administer anesthesia through a tube placed in your vein. The dentist will monitor the anesthesia to make sure you are relaxed and feel no pain during the operation.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation, also known as pill sedation, is a sedation technique that involves administering the sedative orally. It is usually administered approximately one hour before a dental appointment and has mild side effects that wear off within a few hours.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, commonly referred to as laughing gas, is a sedation technique administered through a nasal mask. Your dentist will regulate the level of gas depending on the type of dental operation you’ll be undergoing. The sedative will wear as soon as the mask is taken off.
Recovering From Sedation Dentistry
When you have successfully undergone your dental procedure, you will experience common side effects such as nausea and dry mouth. Depending on the level of sedation, your side effects may range anywhere from mild, moderate to intense.
These side effects may take up to 24 hours to wear off completely. With that in mind, it is safe that you avoid engaging in tasks that may require you to handle dangerous or very heavy tools. Have someone pick you up if you drove yourself to the appointment since it is unsafe to drive yourself back before the side effects have worn off.
Also, be sure to drink plenty of water during the recovery period.
Advantages of Getting Sedation Dental Treatment
Enables Treatment to Be Easy
Some dental procedures are very complex and invasive. That can make it difficult for the dentist to work on a patient who is not sedated. Sedation can make complex operations easier since the anesthesia relaxes muscles and reduces the chances of gagging during the procedure.
The Dentist Can Multitask
In most cases, when you have many dental imperfections that need correcting, you would be required to attend more than one dental appointment to fix your dental flaws. However, your dentist can work on more than one dental imperfection on one visit if you opt for sedation dentistry. That is because patients on anesthesia corporate and make the dentist’s work easier. Having few dental visits allows you to save on time and fuel.
It Can Relieve Anxiety
Anxiety is common, especially for people on their first dental appointment. Sedation will make you feel more relaxed and help the doctor prep you for the procedure. Are you afraid of needles? Your dentist will choose a sedation technique that does not need to be administered to you through injection.
Disadvantages of Sedation Dental Treatment
Patients who have undergone this procedure are required to wait until the sedation effects have worn off before they can drive or perform jobs that require a lot of precision and alertness.
It might be uncomfortable to go through side effects that result from sedation. Some common side effects of this type of treatment include dizziness, nausea, and headache.
Is Sedation Dentistry Expensive?
The cost of sedative dentistry will normally range anywhere from $500 to $1000 per hour. However, this representation is not 100% accurate since the level of sedation and time taken for the procedure will affect the final cost. If you want an accurate bill for sedation dentistry in Mississauga, you will need to visit a dental clinic near you.
Conclusion
Do not shy away from getting that perfect smile; sedation dentistry is a safe procedure when done by a professional. Erin Mills, a dentist who works for Smiles of Canada- Mississauga, has years of experience in sedation dental treatment and is ready to help you have a comfortable, painless dental operation.