Does the idea of visiting the dentist make you feel nervous or afraid? If so, you might wonder if your care team can just put you to sleep for your next procedure. It would be nice to be totally unaware of what is happening! But is that really an option? In this blog post, you will learn some important facts about dental sedation and how it works.
Conscious vs. Unconscious Sedation
The majority of sedation options in dentistry are known as conscious sedation. In other words, rather than causing unconsciousness or putting you to sleep, you retain a degree of awareness of your surroundings. However, these sedatives act in your brain to reduce your responses to fear, nervousness, and pain. You should feel relaxed, calm, and comfortable.
The only true form of unconscious sedation is general anesthesia. Because it is complex and requires very careful monitoring, it is rare for dentists to offer it.
IV Sedation as a Form of “Sleep Dentistry”
No common form of dental sedation will cause true unconsciousness, but IV sedation might come close. In fact, it is sometimes called “sleep dentistry” because it is so powerful. Patients often drift off to sleep while under its influence, though they remain easy to arouse. It also commonly causes memory loss, so if you choose to get it, you may have no recollection of your procedure after it is finished!
Plus, because the sedative is administered directly into your bloodstream, your dentist can adjust your level of medication throughout your appointment. This allows them to help you stay comfortable, even if your procedure is longer or more intensive than originally anticipated.
Exploring Your Sedation Options
If you struggle with fear or significant discomfort during dental procedures, let your dentist know. They want you to have a positive care experience, so they will explore options to help you enjoy an easier time in the treatment chair. After learning about your needs and reviewing your medical history, they can determine if you qualify for sedation. They will also choose the type of sedation that best fits your situation, whether it is a relatively light option (such as nitrous oxide or oral conscious sedation), or a more powerful choice like IV sedation.
Your dentist may not put you to sleep during your next appointment, but you might feel as if you are sleeping! Talk to your care team to learn how they can help you stay calm and comfortable during your upcoming procedures.
Meet the Practice
At Santavicca Dental Professionals, we want every patient to have a positive experience in our office. We offer multiple forms of sedation, including powerful IV sedation. We administer it with patient comfort and safety at the forefront of our minds. To learn more about it or to request a consultation to find out if it is right for you, contact our Lebanon, NH, office at 603-215-7108.