Sedation Dentistry is a great way to relieve dental anxiety and enjoy a relaxing appointment. It also helps speed up procedures that would otherwise require several visits to complete.
There are several types of sedation, including oral and IV. Oral sedation is usually given in the form of a pill or liquid that you take prior to your procedure. This sedative will leave you feeling sleepy for a few hours but it should wear off by the time you get home from the appointment.
Intravenous sedation is injected directly into your bloodstream via an intravenous line during your procedure. You may remember a lot or very little of your dental experience, depending on how deeply sedated you are.
Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is a popular and safe form of sedation that most people are familiar with. It can help to alleviate some of the discomfort you may feel during your dental procedure, and is a very effective method for patients who are prone to gag reflexes.
General anesthesia is the most severe level of sedation available, and it leaves you unconscious. This sedative is very powerful and requires constant monitoring by the dentist, who will be checking your heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing.
It is important to note that many insurance companies don’t cover sedation, so it’s best to call your provider for details or look into alternative payment options. Many offices have in-house savings programs and financing to make sedation more affordable.