Calming Your Nerves Before Dental Procedures

Do you feel nervous or anxious before dental appointments? If so, you’re not alone. Countless people suffer with anxiety related to clinical and dental treatments. In fact, some dental phobias are so severe that people will avoid visiting a dentist for treatment until it is too late. Foregoing oral healthcare can lead to the need for visiting a specialist like an oral surgeon for focused treatment such as tooth extractions and implant dentistry. When it comes to providing procedures, we offer sedation dentistry to increase patients’ mental and physical comfort. There are different types of sedation, some patients may benefit from taking a prescription tablet from the benzodiazepine class of drugs (oral sedation), while more invasive procedures may require conscious sedation delivered intravenously.

Types of Sedation Dentistry

The type of sedation a person might receive depends on the level of his or her anxiety and the nature of one’s procedure. When it comes to minor anxiety and minimally invasive procedures, a dentist or oral surgeon may administer nitrous oxide. Used in medical and dental procedures, nitrous oxide is a gas that is delivered through a nasal mask. This gas produces calming and pain-relieving effects quickly. As a mild sedative, nitrous oxide can ease one’s fears without the need of long-acting prescription medication so that patients can drive themselves to and from their appointments.

Oral sedation involves a person taking prescribed medication from the benzodiazepine family of drugs. This type of medication is stronger than nitrous oxide and is beneficial for those with moderate anxiety. When it comes to dental procedures, oral sedation is beneficial for treatment like the placement of dental implants and oral pathology services.

Invasive procedures like corrective jaw surgery or bone grafts require stronger medications to manage discomfort and help patients stay still during treatment. Conscious IV sedation is delivered intravenously but unlike general anesthesia, patients can respond to instructions and questions during treatment. Conscious sedation allows a surgeon to work without difficulty or obstruction while ensuring that patients enjoy a positive, comfortable experience.

Call us today to learn more about sedation dentistry or to schedule an appointment at Charlottesville Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center.