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.