FOR MANY PEOPLE, A TRIP TO THE DENTIST CAN BE FRIGHTENING AND FILLED WITH ANXIETY.
The fear of pain and the sights, sounds and smells associated with some dental procedures cause a large portion of the population to avoid this important part of their general healthcare. With today's advanced dental technology, sedation techniques and pain management alternatives, a visit to the dentist can now be a much more pleasant experience.
WHAT IS SEDATION DENTISTRY?
In many cases, a consultation at The Dental Health Center may be enough to alleviate the fear and apprehension associated with an upcoming dental procedure. We pride ourselves in having a very relaxing new office setting with caring staff that can help reduce the stress associated with being at the dentist. Sedation can be administered before, during, or after dental procedures and may be given by mouth(oral), inhalation(Nitous Oxide/Laughing Gas), IV (Intra-Venous), or injection.
The type of anesthesia or sedation required for any dental procedure depends on the needs or preferences of the patient.
1. Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Inhalation anesthesia uses a simple nose mask to breath from and works quickly and the effects are immediate, and quickly subsides after it is discontinued. Nitrous Oxide can be a very simple way to relax and make your dental appointment quite comfortable. Just taking the edge off can help with gaging and anxiety
2. Oral Sedation (Pill Form)
With oral sedation you are given the medication to take before your dental appointment. This helps you to be very relaxed when coming into the office. You will need a companion to accompany you to and from the appointment.
People who have difficulty getting numb, have a very active gag reflex, or have difficulty with anxiety when going to the dentist will find that oral sedation eliminates this problem.
3. Injection (Intra-Muscular)
Injections of sedatives can be done intraorally or in large muscles. Relief of pain and anxiety can be accomplished through this method for an extended period of time.
4. Intravenous Sedation (IV)
IV sedation can either be "conscious sedation," or "moderate sedation" whereby patients are given medications that cause substantial relaxation and pain control that allows for work to be done very comfortably and the patient also has no memory of the procedures.
Patients under conscious sedation are very relaxed and can respond to the dentist's instructions as needed. In our office setting we practice conscious sedation.
5. General Anesthesia
This is being completely asleep, or unconscious. General Anesthesia is offered in the hospital setting only with the assistance of an anesthesiologist. Dr. Sharp and his staff have privileges at Mercy Hospital and Oregon Surgical Center.