You may have heard that sedation dentistry can help you have a more relaxing, anxiety-free experience at the periodontist’s office. But how exactly does it work? Many patients expect it to put them to sleep, but is that really what normally happens? Below is a closer look at the different forms of sedation dentistry available and whether you can expect them to help you sleep during your appointment.
What Types of Sedation Dentistry Does Your Periodontist Offer?
Many periodontal offices offer the following kinds of sedation dentistry:
- Nitrous Oxide Sedation: This form of sedation involves inhaling nitrous oxide mixed with oxygen through a nasal mask. The gas will help you stay in a relaxed state throughout your treatment, but once you stop breathing it in, the effects should wear off quickly.
- Oral Conscious Sedation: Your periodontist will give you a pill to take before your appointment. Compared to nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation offers more advanced relaxation.
- IV Sedation: For this approach, the sedative will be delivered straight into your bloodstream. Out of the three sedation methods listed here, IV sedation is considered the deepest.
Do Any of These Sedation Options Put You to Sleep?
Technically, none of these sedation options actually put you to sleep. However, IV sedation comes the closest; it’s even sometimes referred to as “sleep dentistry.” While under the effects of IV sedation, you’ll be less aware of what’s going on around you, and afterward, you may not have any memory of what happened during your procedure. While under the effects of the sedative, you might drift off on your own, but your periodontist will be able to awaken you easily.
Which Type of Sedation Dentistry is Right for You?
The type of sedation dentistry that is right for you will depend heavily on your circumstances. For example, IV sedation is usually reserved for patients with severe dental fears and anxieties as well as those who require complex treatments. In contrast, nitrous oxide is often recommended for those who are only mildly afraid.
Before recommending any kind of sedation dentistry, your periodontist will carefully review your overall health history. Once they’ve gathered enough information, they’ll be able to determine whether sedation dentistry is safe for you and which method best suits your situation.
Even if it doesn’t put you to sleep, sedation dentistry can take a lot of the stress out of your periodontal treatment. Don’t be afraid to talk to your periodontist to see what sedation options they can provide to help get your anxieties under control.
About the Author
Dr. Zachary Carnow is a board-certified periodontist who completed his specialty training in Periodontics at the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. His advanced training allows him to handle even complex gum disease and dental implant cases. He’s happy to be able to offer IV sedation, oral conscious sedation, and nitrous oxide sedation for his nervous patients. To learn more about the sedation dentistry Dr. Carnow offers at Frisco Periodontics and Dental Implants, visit his website or call (214) 619-4990.