The Different Types of Sedation Dentistry. Which One Is Right for You?

Are you terrified when it comes to going to the dentist? If so, you are not alone. But don’t put off going to the dentist because of this fear. There is another way. Talk to a dentist in Beaumont, TX about sedation dentistry.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is a method that uses medication to help patients relax when receiving any given dental procedure. There are four different types of sedation used in sedation dentistry.

What Are the Different Types of Sedation Dentistry?

Here are the four types of sedation dentistry that a dentist in Beaumont, TX will most commonly use.

  • Inhaled Sedation

This is a minimal sedation method that involves giving the patient nitrous oxide (sometimes called laughing gas) mixed with oxygen. The patient will breathe the nitrous oxide/oxygen mix through a mask placed over their nose. When it comes to minimal sedation dentistry in Beaumont, TX, nitrous oxide is the most common type used. The gas wears off quickly; therefore, the patient can drive immediately after leaving the dentist’s office.

  • Oral Sedation

Oral sedation dentistry ranges from minimal to a moderate range depending on what’s needed. At the minimal end of the spectrum, the patient is given a pill similar to Valium about an hour before the procedure. If a more moderate dose of sedation is needed, the dentist will give the patient a larger dose.

The minimal sedation dose will make the patient sleepy, but they will remain awake. However, if given a moderate dose, many patients will typically fall asleep during their procedure.

  • IV Sedation

IV sedation is a more powerful form of moderate sedation. IV sedation is administered through a vein. This IV drug enables the dentist to regulate and adjust the sedation levels to his or her patient as needed.

  • Deep Sedation

Deep sedation is administered using general anesthesia. The dentist will give the patient medication that will make the patient partially or totally unconscious during the dental procedure. Deep sedation using anesthesia has to wear off or be reversed using an additional medication to awaken the patient.

What’s Next?

If you are looking for a Beaumont, TX dentist who offers sedation dentistry, please Contact Southern Oaks Dental Care today. We are proud members of this community and will treat you and your family with all the care and respect you deserve.

What Should I Know About Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry might sound as though it’s related to the procedure you’re getting. For instance, a root canal is painful, which is why sedation would be necessary. However, this technique is more about addressing a patient’s fear of the dentist. Too many people end up with lifelong dental issues because they’re nervous about anything from drills to shots. If you’re looking for sedation dentistry in Beaumont, TX, we’ll look at what that means and how it works.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry refers to the use of medication to help patients relax during different dental procedures. This can be implemented in a few ways:

  • With minimal sedation, the patient is relaxed but awake.
  • With moderate sedation, the patient is conscious but may not remember the procedure.
  • With deep sedation, you’re teetering on the edge of being awake and asleep.
  • With general anesthesia, you’ll be completely unconscious for the full procedure.

The most important takeaway here is that you’re not necessarily asleep while you’re in the chair. Even with deep sedation, you can be awakened if need be. The right dentist in Beaumont, TX can tell you more about which treatment is right for you based on both the procedures you need and your feelings about them.

Who Should Get Sedation Dentistry?

Anyone who’s been putting off procedures should get sedation dentistry. There is no reason to let anxiety stand in the way of good oral health — particularly when dental issues are only likely to get worse the longer you let them go. Whether you have sensitive teeth or a history of traumatic dental experiences, sedation dentistry can literally be a stepping stone toward a better life.

Find a Dentist in Beaumont, TX

If you feel tense even thinking about the dentist, the staff at Southern Oaks Dental Care understands your concerns. Sometimes, you just need a helping hand to get you on the right path. Our options are the definition of safe because we know how important it is to treat our customers with compassion. To learn more about how we can help, contact us today to discuss what you’re looking for. We can tell you how sedation dentistry can be used to make your visit a good one.