What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Are you one of those people who fear dental procedures? Actually, this is a pretty common thing. One study found that dental anxiety affects about 36% of the American population!

There is a way to alleviate your anxiety during dental visits, and this is sedation dentistry.

Our dentists at Crossroads Family Dentistry offer a safe and pain-free sedation experience to lessen the phobia you feel with your dental visits.

But what is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry involves the administration of a drug before your dental treatment by the dentist. This method help eases stress and pain during your dental procedures.

There are different levels of sedation dentistry, which are:

• Minimal Sedation – During minimal sedation, the patient remains conscious and responsive during the entire procedure. The patient will most likely not remember the majority of the process because of the amnesic effects of the sedative pill.
  Check our blog to learn more about Minimal sedation.
• Moderate sedation – is used for patients with mild dental anxiety and who have a more complex procedure. During moderate sedation, the patient will remain awake throughout but will be in a deep state of relaxation.
• Deep sedation – Patients under deep sedation are still awake but unaware of their surroundings throughout the process.

The dentist decides the best type of sedation for each case in consultation with a qualified anesthesiologist.

Can any dentist perform sedation?

Sedation dentistry is closely regulated by law, and many states require dentists to hold permits to perform sedation.

Although most dentists are qualified to administer minimal sedation (such as nitrous oxide or pills), the other types of sedation require additional training.

Dentists who completed the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) program can only perform deep sedation and general anesthesia.

Receive Sedation Dentistry at Crossroads Family Dentistry

It is essential to speak with your dentist first about which type of sedation you will need for your dental procedure. Schedule an appointment with Crossroads Family Dentistry to receive the proper care and assistance you need!