When you undergo oral surgery, such as tooth extraction or dental implant placement, then you may feel a little anxious. We don’t want your dental anxiety to prevent you from enjoying better oral health. Which is why we offer sedation dentistry. In today’s blog, your Katy, TX, dentist talks about our dental sedation options.
Choosing the Right Option for You
We have three options available to help you and members of your family, and the one we prescribed for you will depend on a number of different factors. For example, we will take your age, weight, and medical history into account. Your dental anxiety levels are a factor too. We don’t want your anxiety levels to stand between you and the healthy, beautiful smile that you deserve.
Nitrous Oxide
The most common option is nitrous oxide, also referred to as laughing gas. This option is administered through a mask over your nose. You inhale a special gas and enter a calm state. People are conscious and able to respond to the dentist, but likely will have little memory of the procedure afterward. The effects can be adjusted during the procedure, and wear off almost as soon as the treatment ends. People can return to work or school, or even drive themselves home in many cases.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation provides a more extensive calming for patients, and is administered through a pill or liquid taken prior to the procedure. You may need to avoid food and drink for the eight hours before the procedure. You enter a deeper state of relaxation, and while still able to respond to the dentist as needed, will have little to no memory of the procedure at all. The effects take time to wear off so you’ll be a bit groggy and may need to arrange for a ride home with a friend or family member.
IV Sedation
IV is the deepest form available, and one that we often recommend for those with severe anxiety or special needs that make undergoing treatment a difficult process. This also helps those who are undergoing oral surgery. The sedation is administered through an intravenous drip, and a trained anesthesiologist monitors you the entire time. Again, you will be groggy once the procedure ends and will need someone to bring you home afterward.
If you have any questions about how our team keeps patients of all ages and situations calm and comfortable during their treatment, then contact our team to learn more.
Your Katy, TX, Dentist Improves Smiles of All Ages
Our team is ready to help people enjoy a comfortable experience at our practice. Call Lathrop Dental Center in Katy, TX at 832-437-3849 for more information on our calming agents.
