Dental anxiety affects adults and children alike; sometimes, this fear is so real that people avoid visiting the dentist altogether. Doing so, however, can result in serious oral health risks. One way to eliminate this fear is through oral sedation.
At Charming Smiles of La Quinta, we practice safe and effective sedation dentistry for various treatments.
What Exactly Is Oral Sedation?
Oral sedation is closely associated with general anesthesia. General anesthesia often occurs in a hospital setting and involves a patient being unconscious.
Many dental procedures, however, involve conscious sedation. Conscious sedation means patients are aware of what’s happening around them but feel relaxed.
For adult dental patients, sedative drugs come in the form of pills. For children, sedatives come in the form of liquids. After the sedation takes effect, a dentist can work 45 minutes to an hour without interruptions.
Generally, patients don’t have any recollections of the procedure, but if they do, these recollections are usually positive, thus decreasing fears and anxiety.
Nitrous Oxide or I.V. Sedation
Instead of oral sedation, patients may receive nitrous oxide or I.V. sedation. Nitrous oxide, commonly called laughing gas, puts a patient at ease and produces sensations like relaxation, lightheadedness, and a warm feeling.
Patients with severe fear or anxiety might benefit more from I.V. sedation. Patients generally feel more relaxed or won’t experience any pain or discomfort during procedures. Both nitrous oxide and I.V. sedation require a patient to be conscious.
Ideal Candidates for Oral Sedation
Ideal candidates may include the following:
- Patients that require long treatments
- Patients with sensitive teeth
- Patients with special needs or children
- Patients with an overall fear or distrust of dentists
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Oral sedation is one way to eliminate fears associated with visiting a dentist.
La Quinta, CA, residents can call Charming Smiles of La Quinta at (760) 354-8376 to learn more about our services!
