This
four-part article series provides an in-depth overview of sedation
dentistry, what it is, how it works, the benefits it offers and what
patients can expect from its different methods of administration.
No
one likes the idea of having dental work done. Now couple that with
an all-out fear of the dentist and you’ve got a patient who’s
likely to choose living with toothache over going for an appointment.
The problem is, left for too long, dental problems can become
exponentially worse. Something that could easily have been repaired
within the space of an hour could turn into a full mouth
reconstruction project and, of course, you’ll be kicking yourself
when you see the attached dental bills.
Phobia
and anxiety aren’t choices, though. So how can the terribly fearful
of Colorado Springs residents overcome the crippling physical
manifestations of their fear to receive the routine preventative and
restorative dental treatment necessary to maintain excellent oral
health and hygiene? Moreover, how can these people find the inner
strength to come in for procedures as terrifying as dental surgery?
The answer is not to live with your dental problems…
It’s
sedation dentistry.
In
this four-part article series, a Colorado
Springs dental implant
dentist will be talking to us about sedation: what it is, how it
works and the different methods of sedation available. He’ll
explain to us what sedation feels like and what patients can expect
from their experience. Armed with the knowledge of this, it is hoped
that more Colorado Springs residents will be encouraged to see the
dentist again, knowing that sedation can spare them the trauma of
fear and anxiety attacks.
So,
without further ado, let’s get started!
What
is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation
dentistry is the answer Colorado Springs residents who have
traditionally struggled with fear and anxiety have been waiting for.
Through the administration of special medications that depress the
central nervous system – much like alcohol does but without the
liver damage and hangover – sedation makes dental treatment
completely relaxing, pleasant and carefree.
There
are three primary modes for sedation and they are:
- Oral Conscious Sedation: Patients take one or two tranquillizer pills about an hour prior to their appointment or procedure.
- Nitrous Oxide Sedation: Also known as “laughing gas,” patients breathe this in through an oxygen mask whilst in the dentist’s chair, which delivers immediate relaxing effects.
- Intravenous (IV) Sedation: Delivered via an intravenous tube and controlled by the dentist throughout the procedure. IV sedation is especially useful for more complex and invasive procedures, such as dental implant surgery.
We
will be taking a closer look at these various sedation methods and
what patients can expect from them in a subsequent installment of
this series. For now, our cosmetic
dentist in Colorado Springs
answers the following question…
What
Does Sedation Feel Like?
“When
sedated, you’ll physically feel calm and relaxed and mentally,
somewhat detached from reality,” explains the Colorado Springs
cosmetic dentist. “You won’t be fully aware of what’s going on
and even better, you won’t care. Sedation can, in some respects, be
compared with feeling slightly drunk except without any of the
unpleasant side effects like nausea. You’ll feel sleepy, deeply
relaxed and your thoughts will be “fuzzy” and dream-like. Few
people actually remember their appointment once they’ve emerged
from the effects of sedation, but what they will remember is that
they didn’t experience any pain, anxiety or fear.”
Stay
Tuned for Part 2
To
read more about sedation dentistry and its many incredible benefits,
stay tuned for the second installment of this four-part article
series.
