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Sedation Dentistry: Why It Matters for Madison Patients

Pain and Anxiety-Free Dental Procedures

Madison Man Worried About DentistryA common reason a patient may avoid the dentist is out of fear of painful procedures. The longer you avoid a checkup, the worse your oral health will become. The solution for many is sedation dentistry. Total Care Dental of Madison offers sedation options to all patients who want added comfort during their procedures.

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What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is the process of using sedatives to help patients calm down before, during and after their dental appointments. Whether you have dental anxiety or are undergoing a lengthy procedure, sedation dentistry is the easy, painless way to receive a dental procedure!

Forms of Sedation Dentistry

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

Nitrous oxide, known as laughing gas, is a popular choice for patients who need some minor oral surgery or dental extraction. The gas is inhaled and then turned off once the procedure is over. The amount inhaled will determine how much effect the gas has.

Most patients will still be aware of what is happening around them and will remember their procedure. Patients will usually recover from the effects quickly and can even drive shortly after the procedure is completed.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are medications taken orally before receiving dental care. They allow patients to interact with the dentist while remaining calm and comfortable. This can be used for anything from general cleanings to oral surgery.

While patients recover quickly from medication, they should still have someone else drive them to their appointment and back home.

IV Conscious Sedation

With conscious sedation, patients are still able to interact with their dentist during their procedure. Sedation is administered through an intravenous drip into your arm. Afterward, most patients will have no memory of their treatment.

With IV sedation, patients will always require another person to drive them home.

General Anesthesia

In the event you need to have oral surgery or a potentially painful dental procedure, anesthesia is used as a numbing agent. Most dental anesthesia is applied topically or through an injection shot. In either case, the effects wear off within a few hours, though the mouth may remain sensitive for up to a few days.

Anyone who undergoes general anesthesia will be unable to drive after their procedure.

Sedation Dentistry vs Sleep Dentistry

Sedation dentistry brings the patient into a calm, relaxed state. Sleep dentistry, on the other hand, is where the patient is put under and remains fully unconscious during the procedure. We do not do IV sedation, but our work rarely requires severe sedation measures. If you do require sleep sedation for your procedure, our oral surgeons can accommodate you.

What to Expect with Sedation Dentistry

Patients undergoing dental sedation often feel relaxed, calm, and somewhat groggy. These feelings allow stress and anxiety to fade away. The extent of this feeling will vary based on the treatment and how much sedation is needed.

Patients have described this feeling as sleepy but relaxed. They have also mentioned it feels as if you are in a dream state. In fact, some patients are so relaxed that they fall asleep during the procedure. Patients who fall asleep can be easily awoken when they need to be. People of all ages can benefit from this type of dentistry including children. To learn your options contact Total Care Dental today!

Say Goodbye to Dental Anxiety!

Anxiety about visiting the dentist is understandable. Having someone poke and prod at your teeth can be painful. Maybe you have a fear of needles. If your teeth are imperfect, you might feel self-conscious about someone getting an up-close look. Maybe you just have a general fear of the procedure is painful. Sedation dentistry is the solution to all of these fears.

Along with pain relief, sedation eases nervous patients so they can get through their dental appointments without anxiety. Sedation dentistry doesn’t render you unconscious but keeps you in a relaxed, sedated state. You are still able to respond to questions. However, despite being conscious, our sedation methods are so effective enough to where patients often have limited memory of their appointment. Sedatives can make attending future checkups without the need for sedation easier. Though the option will always be available.

Sedation without Needles: Patients anxious about dentistry are often anxious about other medical procedures, including injections by needles. There's no need to worry about needles with our sedation dentistry. Total Dental Care offers sedation medication instead of injections.

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?

Sedation dentistry is very safe as it’s performed by our experienced dentists. Most patients have a painless dentist visit with no side effects from sedation. Potential side effects from sedation dentistry are all short-term and minimal.

You may experience:

  • Drowsiness
  • Dry mouth
  • Mouth soreness
  • Sensitivity to hot and cold foods
  • Headache
  • Loss of memory of the procedure

If you do have any side effects, they typically resolve within a few hours, and the benefits of the sedation far outweigh the minor side effects.

Sedation Dentistry Cost

The cost of sedation varies on the type and length of the procedure. Most insurance plans should cover sedation, but even if you are paying out-of-pocket the relaxation and ease of pain can be worth the trade-off. Total Care Dental wants to make a relaxed, comfortable dental experience affordable for everyone. Contact us today or review our financing options to ensure you can have the dental experience you deserve.

Dental Sedation for Restoration and Cosmetic Procedures

Calm Madison Woman

Dental sedation and local anesthetics help patients get through regular checkups for preventative care, restorative care or cosmetic dental procedures pain-free. Our team of experts will talk with you to come up with the best sedation plan for your procedure.

In the case of procedures like our Four Life Changing Implants, sedation and a general anesthetic will allow you to gain an entirely new smile without worry or pain. You’ll literally wake up to a beautiful new smile!

Talk to Your Madison Dentists

If you require anesthesia or sedation for a procedure, tell your dentist of any other medications you are taking. Certain medications can cause adverse reactions. We will do everything possible to find the best sedation option for your well-being.

Post-Sedation Dentistry Aftercare

Once your dental procedure is complete and you’ve begun the brief recovery process from the sedatives, there are a few aftercare tips to keep in mind.

  • Avoid chewing food on the numbed side of your mouth, as you might accidentally bite your tongue or cheek. 
  • Take a break by returning home and resting. Avoid driving and operating machines or devices if possible.
  • Avoid alcohol or tobacco
  • Resume any prescribed medication. Take any recommended over-the-counter pain relievers if you're experiencing pain.

Contact Total Care Dental for more information on our Madison sedation dentistry services.

 

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