Do you have a fear of going to the dentist? Would you stay away from the dentist at the cost of potential cavities? Is avoiding the dentist worth having unsolved tooth aches? If you have a serious fear of the dentist, you aren’t alone. Many people suffer from this fear, but there are ways to feel comfortable while in the dentist chair. A sedation dentist in Lincoln Park can help to take away some of the uneasiness and anxiety that you may have as you think about visiting a dentist’s office. You can be sedated for a wide variety of dental procedures ranging from a simple check-up and cleaning to filling cavities and oral surgeries.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Medication is used in order to sedate patients who request this. It can help to relax a person suffering from anxiety. Patients can be awake when they are sedated unless you are having a surgical procedure done and you are under anesthesia. It really depends on the level of sedation that will affect your awareness and relaxation levels.
Levels of Sedation
You can be minimally sedated where you are completely awake but do feel relaxed. Typically patients ask for this level of sedation if they have a fear of going in for a routine dental check-up. Those who have severe anxiety or may be having a cavity filled may be under moderate sedation. When you are moderately sedated you may not remember the procedure, but you are awake. If you are deeply sedated you may or may not be slightly conscious. You can be awakened while you are deeply sedated. If you are under anesthesia you are asleep and unconscious.
Types of Sedation
- The following types of sedation are used in dentistry:
- Breathing in nitrous oxide or “laughing gas”
- Oral sedation by a pill about an hour before your procedure
- Moderate sedation with an IV
- General anesthesia
