At Krengel Dental, we want you to feel as comfortable as possible during your dental visits. That’s why we offer sedation dentistry, which helps our patients who may suffer from dental phobia or dental anxiety relax during their appointments with us. Here’s everything you need to know about this type of dentistry and how it may help you.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry involves the use of medication to help patients relax during their dental appointments with us. There are several types of sedation that patients can choose from, which include minimal sedation, moderate sedation, deep sedation, or general sedation.
Minimal Sedation
During Minimal Sedation, patients are still awake but are given medication such as inhaled sedation (otherwise known as laughing gas or nitrous oxide) to help them relax.
Moderate Sedation
During moderate sedation, patients are awake but may not remember as much of their procedure. This type of sedation is achieved through an oral medication or intravenous (IV) sedation.
Deep Sedation
Patients are sedated but can still be awakened if needed. This type of sedation is usually administered via IV.
General Anesthesia
General anesthesia requires an anesthesiologist and patients are completely unconscious. This is normally required for more complex procedures. We offer this type of sedation in partnership with a third-party sedation company called Mill City Anesthesia.
Who Benefits from Sedation Dentistry?
If you have an intense fear of being at the dentist or suffer from dental anxiety, you may benefit from sedation dentistry. Medication can help keep you calm during your appointment, which may lead to a decreased fear of the dentist long-term. This is especially important if you find that your fears or anxieties surrounding the dentist keep you from regular dental check-ups.
Sedation dentistry can also help those who have a low pain threshold or patients with a strong gag reflex. It will help procedures be done faster and more efficiently as well, especially for patients who struggle to sit still for long periods of time.
Conclusion
In addition to helping calm dental fears or anxiety, sedation can be particularly helpful for patients who require long or complex procedures. It can help prevent unnecessary pain and multiple visits to the dentist. If you or a family member is interested in learning more about how sedation can help you, please contact our office to set up a consultation.
