Is Sedation Dentistry for Me?

Is Sedation Dentistry for Me? - Dr. Boals

Is Sedation Dentistry for Me?

Do you fear dental procedures? Are you concerned about the discomfort, pain, and vulnerability associated with being in a dental chair? You may be a good candidate for sedation dentistry at Kissing Camels Family Dentistry, but is sedation dentistry right for you? In this article, you’ll discover what sedation dentistry is, why you may need it, and the different forms of sedation available when you visit the best dentist in Colorado Springs.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

During sedation dentistry, your Colorado Springs dentist will administer a sedative before or while performing a needed dental procedure, such as root canal therapy. Dr. Boals, the best cosmetic dentist in Colorado Springs, explains that only general anesthesia will put you to sleep. Other sedation forms will just make you relax, but you will remain fully conscious of your surroundings.

The following are some sedation dentistry options offered at Kissing Camels Family Dentistry.

Nitrous Oxide

This is popularly referred to as “laughing gas.” Your dentist in Colorado Springs will administer this using a mask. Once the laughing gas kicks in, the dental procedure will be performed. Nitrous oxide wears off quickly, so Dr. Boals may allow you to drive yourself home after your procedure at Kissing Camels Family Dentistry in Colorado Springs, CO.

Oral Sedatives

These are in pill or capsule form. In most cases, you will be advised by your CO Springs dentist to take this sedative about an hour before your dental procedure. For example, if you need wisdom teeth removal in Colorado Springs, Dr. Boals will write a prescription for the oral sedative, and you will take it an hour before the tooth extraction process begins. The sedative will make you relaxed, and you may feel sleepy, although you will be aware of your surroundings.

Intravenous Sedatives

IV (or intravenous) sedatives can put you into varying states of consciousness, depending on the assessment of your needs done by your dentist. Generally, IV sedation takes the form of general anesthesia, and you will be unconscious during the dental procedure. However, Dr. Kacos, a sleep dentist in Shreveport, LA says that some IV sedatives may not knock you out completely, and you will be in what is referred to as “twilight sleep,” from which you will wake up without any memory of the procedure you underwent.

General anesthesia may not always be the best option for you since it comes with more risks when compared to other forms of sedation. Make sure you let Dr. Boals know of any allergic reactions you have had in the past so that we can recommend you the best sedation dentistry option.

Who Needs Sedation Dentistry?

There is a wide variety of dental patients who turn to Kissing Camels Family Dentistry for the sedation dentistry needs. Here are some of them:

  • General anxiety disorder
  • Bad experience at a dentist’s in the past
  • Very sensitive oral nerves (low pain threshold)
  • Dental procedure phobias
  • Small oral cavity, hence soreness during dental procedures
  • Inability to respond to local anesthetics

If any of the above applies to you, talk to Dr. Boals about sedation dentistry.

How Sedation Dentistry Works

The process of sedation dentistry depends on the specific form that the team at Kissing Camels Family Dentistry has selected for you.

For example, if nitrous oxide will be used, you don’t need to do anything to prepare.

If you plan on taking an oral sedative, Dr. Boals will write you a prescription, and you will take the sedative an hour or so before your dental appointment.

Some preparation is needed if you choose intravenous (IV) sedation. For instance, the best dentist in Colorado Springs CO may ask you to refrain from eating or drinking anything within a certain number of hours before the dental procedure. You may also be told to avoid taking certain medications the day before your appointment since these could compromise the effectiveness of the IV sedation.

At Kissing Camels Family Dentistry, we don’t compromise on offering individualized dental services. For this reason, we will discuss your general response to dental procedures before recommending the best type of sedation for your needs. For example, we can recommend sleep (general) anesthesia if you have a strong phobia of dental work. Are you interested in sedation dentistry? Contact Kissing Camels Family Dentistry today!

Sedation Dentistry Myths

Sedation Dentistry Myths - Dr. Boals

Sedation Dentistry Myths

What do you know about sedation dentistry? We often find that our patients have been misinformed or have only knowledge of some of the sedation dentistry myths floating out there. Debunking these myths can ensure that each of our patients is better informed about the benefits of sedation dentistry.

We’ve gathered some of the most common sedation dentistry myths that we’ve heard about sedation dentistry. We’re debunking them so that our patients can have a solid and accurate understanding.

Myth One: Sedation Dentistry is Exclusively for Complicated Surgical Procedures

While it is true that sedation dentistry is quite often associated with complicated surgical procedures, it can be used for the majority of dental procedures at our Colorado Springs dentist office. Sedation dentistry can be used for routine dental procedures, including root canal therapy and the removal of wisdom teeth.

Myth Two: There is just one type of sedation

Generally speaking, there are three types of sedation dentistry.

  • Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
  • Oral sedation
  • IV sedation

Nitrous oxide and oral sedation are quite often the best choices for basic, routine procedures. IV sedation can be the choice for more complex oral procedures if you visit an emergency dentist in Colorado Springs and ask about sedation dentistry. It will help get you out of pain and help control anxiety they may be feeling.

Myth Three: Sedation Dentistry Is Not Safe

One of the most important things to be aware of is that your dentist and their staff will always make safety a priority. When you visit your dentist in Colorado Springs, you can be assured that your candidacy for sedation dentistry will be carefully considered.

When it comes to sedation dentistry in Colorado Springs, patients will find out if they are suitable candidates for sedation during their dental procedure.

Dentistry and dental technology have come a long way, says Digital Doc, an industry leader for intraoral cameras. Dentists know more now than ever and with the right tools diagnosis and treatment has vastly improved. Sedation dentistry is no different. There are plenty sedation dentistry options for everyone. It’s important to let your dentist know everything you know about your medical history before you plan your dental procedure. This will allow your dentist to recommend a treatment solution that will prove safe for you.

Myth Four: Sedation Dentistry is Safe for Everyone

This may be confusing, but while your safety will always be prioritized, there are some situations where sedation dentistry may not be the right option for some patients.

You may find you’re not the right candidate for sedation dentistry if some of the following apply.

  • You’re pregnant or breastfeeding
  • You’ve had a previous allergic reaction to one or more of the medications used for sedation dentistry
  • You have asthma or another medical condition that can intervene with the effectiveness of the medications used

Discuss your concerns with your dentist, and together you’ll come up with the right option to help you through your dentist appointment.

Myth Five: Only Patients with Anxiety Qualify for Sedation Dentistry

Some myths will indeed be wrapped in some form of truth. In this case, there’s no truth to the idea that sedation dentistry is only right for those with anxiety. Sedation dentistry can also be used for several reasons, including the following:

  • In situations where patients have an intense gag reflex
  • On patients who have severe fears of needles
  • In situations where patients are restless, and cannot sit still
  • For patients who are undergoing complex or multiple procedures at one time

Do you have anxiety and perhaps wish to be sedated during even a dental cleaning? Even the noninvasive treatments like veneers can call for sedation dentistry. Just ask your Colorado Springs dentist to learn more. 

There’s no reason for you to fear the dentist. Knowing the truth about sedation dentistry can put you at ease, no matter which procedure you have coming up. To learn more about our sedation services, contact Kissing Camels Family Dentistry.