Just about everyone has heard about the importance of preventive dental care, but fear and anxiety still keep a lot of people away. Almost inevitably, the day will come when a throbbing toothache keeps them up all night. For many people, sedation dentistry is the only thing that makes it possible for them to get the dental care that they need. Sedation dentistry has been the answer to dental fear for many people.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Some patients think Sedation Dentistry in Easton PA is, as they say, the “best thing since sliced bread.” The patient is able to have whatever level of sedation will make them comfortable enough to allow the dentist to do what’s needed. Different medications are used. Unless the patient needs to go under general anesthesia, he or she will be awake, but not concerned about the procedure.
The Four Possible Levels of Sedation
The patient and the dentist can talk about the patient’s anxiety and the needed dental treatment and decide which sedation level would be most appropriate.
- Minimal sedation leaves the patient awake, but feeling very relaxed. Nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas,” is combined with oxygen and breathed in through a nose mask. After the treatment, the patient can drive themselves home since the gas wears off very quickly. With other types of sedation, someone else must be available to drive after the procedure.
- Moderate or conscious sedation will put the patient deep enough under that they probably won’t remember much of the treatment. A pill, typically Halcion, is swallowed about an hour before the procedure. Most people remain awake but very drowsy, and some people sleep through the procedure.
- Deep sedation leaves the patient almost unconscious. They can still be awakened, but won’t remember the treatment. A sedative is given with an IV and works very quickly. The dentist can adjust the sedation level.
- General anesthesia causes complete unconsciousness. The anesthesia can be allowed to wear off naturally, or a medication can be used to reverse the effect.
Dr. Lisa A. Muff, D.M.D. has over 20 years of experience with Sedation Dentistry in Easton PA. Dr. Lisa understands how anxious someone can feel and will work with you to find the best solution so that you can get the treatment that you need. Contact Drlisa.com today to schedule an appointment.
