Sedation Dentistry in Arlington, TX
If you would rather suffer through a toothache than go to the dentist, you're not alone. Many people suffer from dental anxiety or fear and would rather refrain from getting the dental treatments they need.
Luckily, sedation dentistry can help.
At Impact Dentistry in Arlington, Texas, we’ve helped many patients overcome their fear of going to the dentist by using sedation dentistry for everything from invasive dental procedures to simple tooth cleanings.
Sedation Dentistry Basics
Sedation dentistry uses medication to keep patients relaxed during dental procedures. Patients are usually conscious or semiconscious while under sedation, except when placed under general anesthesia.
Different Types of Sedation in Dentistry
Sedation can take many forms, including:
Minimal Sedation
The patient is minimally sedated and awake yet relaxed.
Moderate Sedation
Also known as conscious sedation, this type of sedation helps patients not even remember the procedure.
Deep Sedation
Under deep sedation, the patient is not conscious but can be easily awakened.
Inhaled Minimal Sedation
Minimal sedation usually involves inhaling nitrous oxide, otherwise known as "laughing gas" through a breathing mask placed over your nose. Nitrous oxide relaxes you and is dosed accordingly by the dentist.
IV Moderate Sedation
IV sedation is moderate and injected directly into your vein. Its effects are almost instant and our dentists can control the amount of sedation by constantly adjusting the IV.
Oral Sedation
For oral sedation, we use Halcion, a drug similar to Valium. You are usually asked to take one an hour before the procedure, but the total dose depends on the duration and complexity of the procedures you are undergoing.
This sedation can cause some people to fall asleep during the procedure, but a gentle shake can typically rouse them.
Deep Sedation and General Anesthesia
Deep sedation or general anesthesia make you fall deeply asleep and keep you asleep throughout the procedure. Under general anesthesia, you cannot be easily awoken until the effects have worn off or are reversed with medication.
We also use local anesthetics to relieve discomfort for most procedures that may cause discomfort.
Learn More About Sedation
To learn more about sedation dentistry and how it can make dental procedures a pain-free and comfortable experience, contact Impact Dentistry in Arlington, Texas. For appointments, call (817) 375-0400, book online, or visit us at 7416 S Cooper St STE 100, Arlington, TX 76001.