Sedation Dentistry
Marlton & Turnersville, NJ
Sedation Dentistry provided by Dr. Gail Childers
in Marlton & Turnersville, NJ at Periodontal Health Professionals
 Dental care is essential to maintain our oral health, but the thought of a periodontist visit induces anxiety in some of our patients. However, dental sedation relieves their apprehension. Fear of dentists and periodontists is often referred to as dental anxiety or dental phobia, which leads to the avoidance of treatments. Treatment avoidance negatively affects oral health, but sedation dentistry allows our patients to conquer their anxieties, and take control of their dental health. We offer multiple methods to help patients manage their fear and undergo stress free dental procedures.
Fear of Dentists: Understanding Dental Anxiety and Dental Phobia
Dental anxiety is a common condition. Fear of dentists ranges from mild discomfort to a crippling dental phobia, where a patient experiences terror that prevents them from seeking any dental care at all. Dental phobia is much more severe than dental anxiety. It may manifest as panic attacks, severe distress, or complete avoidance.
The causes of dental fears vary. For some, a previous experience induced the fear. For others, it stems from general anxiety, fear of pain, fear of needles, or the trust that is required to get into the chair, relinquish control, and leave the treatment in the hands of a skilled periodontist. Regardless of the cause, fear impacts oral health. Patients with these fears are less likely to attend regular check ups, and many only visit when they are in severe pain, or facing a dental emergency. However, we frequently and successfully use dental sedation to ease our patient's fears.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is the use of medication to help our patients relax during dental procedures. Sedation dentistry alleviates anxiety, and creates a more comfortable, stress free experience for our patients. There are several sedation options available. They vary on the level of sedation and level of consciousness, and the method of administration. Different types of dental sedation include nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide is a sedation method proven safe and effective by decades and decades of use in dentistry. Nitrous is also called laughing gas, and it is a mild sedative that is inhaled through a small mask placed over the nose. This method is one of the most commonly used forms of sedation in dentistry due to its proven safety, ease of administration, quick onset, and fast recovery time. Nitrous oxide makes patients feel relaxed, and a mild euphoria. The greatest advantage of laughing gas is that the effects wear off almost immediately after the mask is removed. This allows patients to drive themselves home shortly after their treatment.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation is the administration of sedative medication in pill form, usually taken about an hour before the dental procedure. The level of sedation ranges from minimal to moderate, and is dose dependent. Patients who receive oral sedation are in a state of conscious sedation, but are more relaxed. Common medications used for oral sedation are diazepam, triazolam, and lorazepam.
IV Sedation
Intravenous sedation, or IV sedation, is the administration of sedative drugs directly into the bloodstream. This method provides a deeper level of sedation compared to nitrous oxide or oral sedation. We adjust the level of sedation throughout the procedure to ensure optimal comfort. Patients under IV sedation are in a state of conscious sedation, but are in a deeply relaxed state, and may not remember the procedure afterward. Because IV sedation requires careful monitoring and administration, it is performed by a periodontist with specialized training, or an anesthesiologist.
General Anesthesia
General anesthesia is used for our patients who prefer to be unconscious. The patient is completely asleep during the dental procedure. This level of sedation is reserved for extensive dental work such as oral surgery, or for patients with severe dental phobias, or for patients with special needs. Due to the risks associated with general anesthesia, it is usually administered in a hospital setting or specialized clinic with additional medical support.
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry offers multiple benefits for patients struggling with dental anxiety or dental phobia. First, it allows patients to receive the dental care they need without fear and stress. This leads to improved oral health, and a reduction in the problems that arise from avoidance.
Second, sedation dentistry makes complex or lengthy procedures more manageable. Patients who require extensive dental work can have multiple treatments completed in one session, which reduces the number of visits needed.
Lastly, sedation dentistry benefits patients with a low tolerance for pain, a sensitive gag reflex, or difficulty sitting still for extended periods. When we minimize discomfort and anxiety with sedation, it enables our patients to undergo necessary dental procedures in comfort, and allows us to care for our patients efficiently.
Safety and Considerations
Sedation dentistry is considered safe and effective. However, all medical procedures come with risks. It is essential to consider a patient's medical history, overall health, level of anxiety, and preferences before deciding on the method of sedation. Our team starts with a thorough evaluation that includes a review of any medications the patient is taking, and any pre-existing health conditions. This assessment helps to ensure that the chosen sedation method is safe, and works for the patient's needs and preferences.
It is also important for patients to follow pre and post sedation instructions carefully. For example, patients who receive oral sedation or IV sedation must arrange a ride home for themselves after the procedure. The sedative effects linger for several hours after sedation, and it is unsafe for them to drive.
Sedation dentistry has revolutionized dental anxiety and dental phobia management. With dental sedation, we help our patients receive the care that they need without fear. With all of the different sedation options available, we tailor the approach to meet each patient's specific needs, preferences, and level of anxiety. When we alleviate the fear of the dentist, this improves our patients' oral health, and enhances their well being overall. Sedation dentistry allows us to ensure that everyone has a positive dental experience free of stress and fear. |
