Professional dental treatments are required for various reasons. Sometimes you have a cavity that needs filling, a root canal that needs to be performed, a tooth that needs to be extracted, or missing teeth that need replacing. Sometimes you just need a routine cleaning and exam. For many patients, the idea of receiving dental care, even just a routine cleaning and exam, can be enough to trigger panic and fear. When you put off dental care, any oral health issues you have can grow worse, leading to the need for more invasive treatments later on. Blue Summit Dental Group can help you to get the treatments you need when you need them with sedation.

Why Use Sedation?

Sedation is used to keep you calm and help you to relax while your necessary dental procedures are being done. While fear and anxiety are common reasons for the use of sedation, there are other situations in which it can prove beneficial as well.

• You have trouble sitting still for any length of time.
• You have a low tolerance for pain.
• Your teeth are extremely sensitive.
• Your gag reflex is easily triggered.
• You need a significant amount of dental work, or your procedure will take a significant amount of time.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, more commonly known as laughing gas, is the lightest form of sedation available. It is a form of mild conscious sedation that is administered via inhalation. A small mask is placed over your nose, and a mixture of both nitrous oxide and oxygen are delivered. You simply breathe in. The gas goes to work almost immediately, and you begin to feel more relaxed. You are completely conscious throughout your procedure and can respond to questions and requests. Once the procedure is over, the nitrous oxide is turned off, with the oxygen running for a few more moments, and the effects wear off. By the time you leave the office, the effects are completely gone, and you can even drive yourself home.

Oral Conscious Sedation

Oral conscious sedation is a form of moderate sedation. This particular moderate sedation is administered via an oral medication, which is taken about an hour before you arrive at your appointment. It typically takes about 30 minutes to start working, although exact times vary. For this reason, it is important to have a driver bring you in. The medication makes you feel drowsy, and many patients report not being able to recall parts, or even any, of their procedure. The effects of oral conscious sedation can linger for several hours following the completion of your procedure, so you will need to make sure that the person who drove you it can also drive you home.

Sedation can help you to get the treatment you need when you need it, whether it is routine cleaning and exam, tooth extraction or a tooth replacement, preventing more serious complications later on. Call Blue Summit Dental Group today to learn more and find out if sedation is right for you at (810) 658-9177.