Is There Anything to Worry About With Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation Dentistry Do you shake in your boots with the mere mention of the word “dentist”? Do you classify the dentist’s chair as your most dreaded place? Have you been avoiding Village Family Dental in Myrtle Beach, SC for months if not years now? If that is the case, then you might be one of the millions of Americans with dental anxiety. Fortunately, dentists like Dr. John Rearden have become more sympathetic to your plight and have even started a dental specialty which is dedicated to easing your fears of the drill away – sedation dentistry.

What is sedation dentistry?

This branch of dentistry makes use of medications in order to calm and relax patients in Myrtle Beach, SC while in the middle of dental procedures. While it is also known as “sleep dentistry”, this term is no longer accurate since the patient is not rendered unconscious throughout the entire procedure. Generally, patients in Myrtle Beach, SC are awake although they may be under the influence of anesthesia.

What are the levels of sedation?

Minimal Sedation. In this level of sedation, the patient is relaxed but still very much conscious. The most famous agent used to bring a patient into a state of minimal sedation is with the use of nitrous oxide or laughing gas. This substance is inhaled by way of a mask and its effects can wear off rather quickly. Patients who receive laughing gas are still capable of driving themselves home from a dental procedure.

Moderate Sedation. In this level of sedation, the patient may slur his or her words and may not have much memory of the procedure. This state is also known as “conscious sedation”. Pills are usually given in order to render a person into a state of moderate sedation. Valium can make a person rather groggy and they might even fall asleep in the middle of the procedure although he or she can easily be roused.

Deep Sedation. This form of sedation puts a person in the edge of consciousness although the patient can easily be awakened. Certain medications are required in order to put a person into this form of sedation.

General Anesthesia. In this form of sedation, the patient is totally unconscious. While a patient is under the influence of general anesthesia, the person cannot be awakened or roused unless the effects of the anesthesia have worn off or are reversed with the help of a drug.

You can also wear headphones and listen to your favorite beach music, or bring a hand held exercise ball to squeeze.

Sedation dentistry can help with dental phobias and make it easier to get through your twice yearly check ups. Call Village Family Dental in Myrtle Beach, SC today.

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