A visit to the dentist’s office is a scary thought for a lot of people.  Especially when it is for a tooth extraction or getting dental implants. Hence, in dentistry, it is common to perform any invasive surgeries under local anesthesia.

While local anesthesia ensures most dental procedures involve no pain, just the thought of invasive procedures can cause extreme anxiety and stress to some patients. But sometimes, the patient will have to be sedated completely for their own comfort.

Sedation dentistry is focused on reducing pain and discomfort to give you a stress-free experience throughout the treatment. If you too are due to undergo any surgical procedures for your oral health, there are 3 options to choose from. For patients who are highly nervous about dental procedures, these methods can be super helpful.

We talked to the expert team at Stone Oaks Aesthetics, sedation dentistry in San Antonio about different sedation techniques that can be used for patients undergoing dental treatments.

3 Different Ways to Sedate Patients Before Dental Treatments.

1. Inhalation Sedation.

The most common method of sedation dentistry used is inhaling a nitrous gas. Popularly known as the laughing gas, it is a mild sedative that helps ease nervousness and stress too. The gas is colorless and odorless and promotes a sense of relaxation.

Before beginning the procedure, the gas will be mixed with oxygen and administered to you via a face mask that fits over the nose. The sedation effect kicks in a few minutes and makes you feel light-headed. While you won’t be completely sedated, the gas helps you feel calm throughout the treatment. It is a great option for people who are a bit nervous about undergoing the procedure and need a little help with their nerves. And since it is called laughing gas, you can expect a giggle or two.

2. Oral Sedation.

Also known as anxiolysis, this type of sedation dentistry involves administering a special drug for sedating the patient. The drug is administered orally through a pill. The aim is to not sedate the patient completely but keep them drowsy yet conscious enough so that they can follow instructions.

The pill helps you feel completely relaxed during the treatment and avoids any anxiety and pain.

You will be able to answer any questions your dentist may ask you during treatment. The effect lasts for a few hours so you will probably need someone to drive you home safely. Your dentist will have a detailed chat with you and will explain all the dos and don’ts to follow during the procedure. It is a great option for people who are extremely nervous or scared about surgeries as you will have little to no memory of the procedure.

3. IV Sedation.

IV sedation is the same drug used in oral sedation but administered intravenously through your arms. The sedative effects kick in within a few seconds and remain constant throughout the procedure. You will feel completely relaxed and feel at ease during the treatment.

Just like oral sedation, you will need someone to drive you home as it will be unsafe to drive on your own under sedation.

Dental anxiety is common among most patients who undergo surgical procedures to restore their teeth. And of all three, oral sedation dentistry is the easiest to administer and offers great comfort to patients.

So if you are anxious about getting a dental treatment to restore your smile, you can visit Stone Oaks Aesthetics for a comfortable experience via oral sedation dentistry. The clinic has some of the best cosmetic dentists in San Antonio and will help you create a beautiful smile with minimum discomfort or pain. So schedule your appointment for a smile makeover in San Antonio right away.