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Are you afraid of the dentist? You’re not alone. Dental fear keeps millions from needed care. Dental equipment makes fear spike. Even routine cleanings are not acceptable. Help is on the way. Sedation dentistry provides relief for patients with anxiety and sensitivity.
Sedation services are now offered in Oklahoma City for any level of fear. Pain-free treatments are now possible with new techniques, even for complex treatments.
Understanding Dental Anxiety
Dental anxiety leads to physical and emotional distress before visits. Symptoms are trembling, rapid heartbeat, queasiness, or panic. For others, fear is triggered by past trauma. Others are paralyzed in the dental chair.
The ADA estimates 36% of Americans fear going to the dentist. Approximately 12% experience extreme anxiety. Oklahoma City dentists witness this every day.
Unaddressed, fear delays care. Cavities worsen. Gum disease becomes systemic. Health declines. Sedation dentistry rides to the rescue. It significantly enables patients to relax, get the treatment completed, and regain oral health confidently.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is employed to relax anxious patients during dental procedures. It uses medication to reduce fear, pain, and awareness. Sedation can range from light to deep. Those with dental trauma, hypersensitive teeth, or poor gag reflexes can benefit.
Long or complex procedures are also suitable. Many wonder, “Will I be unconscious?” Usually not. Most forms keep you awake but relaxed.
Sedation dentistry isn’t sleep dentistry unless a general anesthetic is used. It’s safe, monitored, and extremely effective across dental offices.
Types of Sedation Dentistry Provided
IV Sedation
IV sedation is the most advanced and individualized form of sedation dentistry in Oklahoma City. Medication is given into your body via a vein. The effects are instant and are controlled with very high accuracy throughout the visit.
You remain awake but very relaxed. You do not remember the procedure in most cases. This deep relaxation mode is ideal for patients with extreme dental phobias or for lengthy procedures.
IV sedation can only be provided by trained sedation dentists or certified anesthesiologists. Vital signs should always be monitored. IV sedation is commonly used for wisdom tooth extraction, implant surgery, or severe dental anxiety.
Patients need a ride home and rest. IV sedation dentistry offers reassurance and painless treatment in complex situations.
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Nitrous oxide is a weak inhalational sedative with effects within minutes. You breathe it in through a small nose mask. It creates a euphoric sensation and reduces pain. As soon as the mask is removed, the effects cease.
No downtime is needed. It’s perfect for children or individuals with very low dental phobias. However, for more complex or surgical procedures, it may not be strong enough. Sedation dentistry with nitrous oxide allows for a quick return to routine life.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation is a tablet that you take before you come in. Common medications are diazepam or triazolam.
You are relaxed but awake while on the medication. Moreover, you’ll be drowsy and won’t recall much of what was done. You’ll need someone to drive you home. It’s safe and very commonly used for moderate anxiety patients.
General Anesthesia
General anesthesia puts you in complete unconsciousness and unawareness of the treatment. It’s used for bad phobias, special circumstances cases, or oral surgery.
An anesthesiologist stays with you the entire time. This type of sedation dentistry needs a certified facility and rigid safety procedures.
What to Expect During a Sedation Appointment
Your dentist gives you instructions beforehand. You must stick to them. They can be required to fast or miss some medications. Sedation is administered when you arrive as scheduled.
A team monitors your comfort, oxygen, and heart rate. Easy, painless treatment is the goal. You could feel dizzy afterwards. Do not work or drive that day. You have to drink water, rest, and follow recovery directions properly. With proper care, sedation dentistry offers a relaxing, controlled experience.
Dental anxiety doesn’t have to be in charge of your health anymore. With sedation dentistry, Oklahoma City patients can now experience pain-free and stress-free dental treatment.
Don’t let pain prompt you to seek out treatment. You’re worthy of comfort and self-assurance at each visit. Begin with a consultation with us. Learn about sedation dentistry. Reclaim your oral health fearlessly.
