Dental Sedation
Montgomery Park Dental acknowledges that dental work is not something that most people look forward to. Even those who understand the importance of maintaining good oral health for their overall well-being may feel some level of anxiety when visiting the dentist. Unfortunately, some individuals experience such intense anxiety that they may choose to delay or altogether avoid dental appointments. To address this issue, Dr. Jovanovic offers two sedation dentistry options to her patients in The Woodlands, Conroe, Willis, and Spring, Texas area, recognizing and catering to the needs of those who feel anxious about seeing the dentist.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
It’s common knowledge that surgeries require sedation to be performed, which typically involves IV sedation that renders the patient unconscious while the procedure is being carried out. After the surgery, the patient wakes up with no memory of the procedure and needs assistance from a driver to get them home safely. However, what you may not know is that dentists offer less intense forms of sedation for their patients.
Other types of dental sedation differ from the sedation used in surgeries. It aims to make the patient comfortable and relaxed during the dental procedure while allowing them to remain conscious.
Benefits of Sedation
Reduces anxiety and fear: Dental sedation can help reduce anxiety and fear associated with dental visits, making your experience more comfortable and enjoyable.
Dental sedation can also make it easier for your dentist to complete their work more quickly and efficiently. This means that you can spend less time in the chair and have a more pleasant experience overall. It can also reduce pain and discomfort associated with certain dental procedures, enabling you to complete your treatment without feeling overwhelmed or stressed. The effects of dental sedation can last for several hours after the procedure, so you can be sure that you will be comfortable for the duration of your visit. Additionally, because dental sedation is safe and non-invasive, it can be useful for the majority of patients. With the help of dental sedation, you can relax and enjoy your dental visit, knowing that your safety and comfort are in good hands.
Minimizes discomfort: Dental sedation can minimize discomfort associated with dental treatments, allowing you to remain relaxed and comfortable throughout the procedure.
Dental sedation can also help to reduce anxiety for individuals who are fearful of visiting the dentist. It can help to create a safe, calming environment, allowing you to feel more relaxed and at ease in the dental chair. Additionally, it can be beneficial for those who have difficulty sitting still for extended periods of time, as sedation can help to reduce movement and ensure that the procedure is completed as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Allows for longer procedures: Dental sedation can enable longer procedures to be completed in a single visit, saving you time and money.
Dental sedation can also help reduce the patient’s anxiety, making the entire experience more comfortable and relaxing. It can help to reduce the gag reflex, making it possible to complete complex procedures with fewer interruptions. Patients who have difficulty sitting for long periods of time may find that sedation makes it easier to remain in the dental chair. Additionally, patients who are prone to movement during dental procedures may find that sedation helps them remain still and make the procedure go more smoothly. All in all, dental sedation can be an invaluable tool for both the patient and the dentist, allowing for a safe and successful procedure.
Reduces the gag reflex: Dental sedation can help reduce the gag reflex, allowing the dentist to perform a more thorough examination or cleaning.
Besides dental sedation, there are other strategies to reduce the gag reflex. One common method is to focus on breathing. Taking slow, deep breaths can help relax the body and mind, reducing the gag reflex. It is also important to stay hydrated and avoid eating or drinking anything acidic or spicy before the procedure. Using a tongue depressor or other instrument to hold the tongue down can also help reduce the gag reflex. Additionally, some people find that using a numbing gel before the procedure can lessen the gag reflex. Finally, regular practice can also help reduce the gag reflex over time. By regularly exposing yourself to a stimulus that causes gagging, such as brushing your teeth or eating certain foods, you can gradually desensitize yourself and reduce the gag reflex.
Preserves memory of the procedure: Dental sedation can preserve the memory of the procedure, making recovery easier and allowing you to resume your usual activities quickly.
Patients who receive dental conscious sedation often report feeling relaxed during the procedure and in some cases having little to no memory of the experience afterward. This can be extremely beneficial for those who suffer from dental anxiety, as it allows them to receive the care they need without feeling overwhelmed or fearful of visiting the dentist. Furthermore, when the patient is relaxed with conscious sedation methods, the recovery time is significantly shorter than with IV sedation methods. This means that patients can quickly resume their usual activities to get back to their normal lives.
Sedation Methods We Offer
There are different types of dental sedation available to patients depending on their level of anxiety. Dr. Jovanovic offers the following forms and can help you decide which is best for you:
- Nitrous oxide – Commonly referred to as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is often a good sedation method for patients with mild anxiety. It’s administered right here in our office, just prior to your procedure, and wears off quickly so you can feel comfortable driving yourself home afterward. You’ll be awake but completely relaxed during your procedure. Nitrous oxide earns its “laughing gas” nickname by not only relaxing you but also making you feel just a little silly.
- Oral sedation – If you have a higher level of anxiety, Dr. Jovanovic might recommend oral sedation. This method involves taking a sedative (in pill or capsule form) just before arriving at our office for your procedure. Oral sedation allows patients to remain conscious but in a deep state of relaxation – so deep, in fact, that you might not remember all of your visit. Because you need to take the sedation before arriving at our office, and it’s slow to wear off, you should arrange for someone to drive you here and take you home afterwards.
Contact Us Today
Patients from throughout Conroe, The Woodlands, Willis, and Spring, Texas area should call our office to find out more about dental sedation options that may be right for you, and to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jovanovic.
Contact Us Today
Patients from throughout The Woodlands, Conroe, Willis, and Spring, Texas area should call our office to find out more about dental sedation, and to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jovanovic.
