Different Sedation for Different Patients

Most people view visiting the dentist as something of a chore: no one ever wants to go, but they do it because they should. However, there are some patients who feel so nervous about it that they avoid the dentist altogether, which can have a negative effect on their oral health. If you have a fear of going to the dentist or put off making appointments due to anxiety, sedation may be a good solution for you. It is used at Harmony Dental to make appointments go more smoothly for the patients of Pearland, TX.

What is sedation?

Basically, sedation induces a relaxed, easy state in a person through the use of sedatives. In dentistry, it is used to make an appointment or procedure more comfortable. There are different types of sedation that can be used to suit the needs and preferences of different patients.

Types of sedation

• Nitrous oxide: also known as “laughing gas,” is the mildest type of sedation. It is suitable for patients with fairly mild levels of anxiety who need a gentle sedative option. Under nitrous oxide, you will be awake and conscious, but in a more relaxed and even slightly euphoric state. It is administered through a mask, where you will breathe in a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen. At the end of the appointment, your system will be flooded with oxygen to flush out the nitrous. The effects will wear off quickly, allowing most patients to drive themselves home. Nitrous oxide is even safe enough for children and can be especially helpful if a child has trouble sitting still for extended periods of time.
• Oral conscious sedation: administered via an easy-to-swallow pill, taken about an hour before the procedure. A prescription is required for this type of sedation. It is a good choice for patients with mild to moderate anxiety. It allows you to stay awake and conscious during the procedure, but you will feel drowsy and groggy. After the procedure, you may not remember much. Some people even fall asleep with oral sedation, especially if a higher dose is prescribed.
• IV sedation: administered intravenously (through a vein) and recommended for patients with high levels of anxiety. This sedation begins to work immediately to calm you. It is also often used if a lot of work is being done at one time or if a patient’s gag reflex is very strong. You can have confidence in our skilled and trained team to safely administer IV sedation.

If you’ve experienced anxiety regarding dental visits before, consider making an appointment and making use of sedation. Contact Harmony Dental to learn more about this service and visit our office in or Pearland, TX to take care of your oral health.