Are you afraid to go to the dentist? Many adults experience dental anxiety. They may avoid going to the dentist for years because of anxiety over dental procedures. 

In order to help you get through dental treatment comfortably, we offer three different types of oral sedation: nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation. All of these options allow you to relax in the dentist’s chair while we work to improve your smile’s health. If you have dental anxieties or fears, consider one of these options for your visit with us.

Types of Dental Sedation

Oral Sedation 

Oral conscious sedation is the lightest form of sedation used in dentistry and is often used for patients with mild anxiety or for those who want to be relaxed during their procedure. 

This type of sedation is administered through a pill that is taken about an hour prior to your appointment time. By the time you arrive, you will be relaxed and not fully awake. Local anesthesia is still used during the appointment to ensure optimal comfort during your treatment. The effects of oral sedation can last several hours in some patients, so be sure to plan your day accordingly.

Nitrous Oxide

If a patient has moderate to severe dental anxiety, nitrous oxide gas may be recommended as a sedation method. Nitrous oxide is a colorless, sweet-smelling gas that is inhaled through a mask that fits over your nose to help you relax. The effects are fast and can lessen after just a few minutes once you stop inhaling the gas. 

The effects of nitrous oxide wear off quickly, so you can safely drive yourself home after your procedure. Even though you are awake during treatment, you will feel more relaxed as your body produces the “happy” hormone serotonin in response to the gas.

IV Sedation

For patients who have severe anxiety about visiting the dentist, IV sedation is recommended. For this type of sedation, an anesthesiologist will administer the medication through an IV that has been placed in a vein in the back of your hand. 

Once you are unconscious, our dentist can perform your dental treatment while you are deeply asleep. Since you are completely unaware, you will need to have someone drive you home from your appointment.

What Are the Benefits of Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry provides several benefits to dental patients. The biggest benefit is patient comfort. Dental anxiety can keep people from getting the dental care they need, which is a major detriment to oral health. With sedation, however, patients can rest and even nap through procedures. The level of sedation will vary from one procedure to the next and will be discussed with you before beginning treatment. 

Additionally, many patients find they no longer need to rely on pain medication after an appointment and can return to their normal routines immediately. This reduces the risk of complications and makes the patient more comfortable. 

Last but not least, sedation allows the dentist to finish procedures more quickly, saving the patient precious time.

To find out more about the dental services we offer at Bencaz Family Dentistry, call (225) 665-2417 or schedule a consultation online. You can also visit us at 130 N. Hummell Street, Denham Springs, LA 70726.