Does your heart start pounding at the mere thought of having a cavity filled? Do you get sweaty palms when you see a dental practice?
Many individuals who have improved their smiles with cosmetic dentistry or underwent extensive restoration procedures chose to use sedation. Though the terms ‘sleep dentistry’ and ‘oral conscious sedation’ are commonly used interchangeably, they are not identical. Let’s look at the three main types of sedation used in dentistry.
Nitrous Oxide
The first level uses nitrous oxide, or ‘laughing gas’ as it is often called. Nitrous oxide has been used in cosmetic dental offices for decades because it is safe and effective. It goes to work at the first inhalation, relaxes the patient during the treatment, but wears off quickly after the mask is pulled off. If you need a little help to get through dental services, but don’t want to be knocked out cold, nitrous may be the best option.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral sedatives don’t start working as swiftly as nitrous oxide, but they help most patients achieve a deeper level of tranquility. These medications, however, do not usually bring about complete unconsciousness. Thus, oral sedatives and nitrous oxide are used in ‘conscious’ sedation. Two of the most prevalent sedatives used by Kennesaw dentists are diazepam and triazolam.
IV Sedation
IV sedation uses medications similar to those used in surgery and results in true ‘sleep dentistry.’ Most patients are unaware of what is occurring in their mouths. Tier IV sedation is often used for procedures such as root canals, wisdom teeth extractions, and multi-procedure smile transformations. (The sedation will wear off shortly after the procedure, so you won’t need a handsome prince’s kiss to wake you up.)
For more information about sedation dentistry, adult braces, tooth implants, or porcelain veneers, call Russell Anderson Jr. Dentistry at 770-419-2535.
Contact Russell Anderson Jr. Dentistry:
770-419-2535
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1415 Wooten Lake Rd NW Ste 300
Kennesaw, Georgia
30144
