What is Oral Sedation Dentistry?

Are you afraid of visiting the dentist? If you are one of the 30 to 40 million people with a fear of visiting the dentist, take heed! We provide sedation dentistry services to all of our Boston patients and is designed to help you relax while receiving the dental care your teeth and gums need to stay healthy. For people who tend to avoid cleanings and exams, sedation dentistry is designed to help relieve some of the anxiety you can feel. Sedation can be used for general cleanings and examinations up to serious dental procedures such as root canals and tooth extractions. The amount of sedation needed depends on your level of anxiety and fear of visiting the dentist.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

What exactly is sedation dentistry? Sedation dentistry involves the use of medication to help a patient relax during a dental procedure. Sedation will calm the nerves, making some people feel like they want to sleep as they become extremely relaxed. However, sedation does not cause you to fall asleep, it allows a patient to remain awake, but in a relaxed state.

What Types of Sedation are Used?

Oral sedation is given through a pill you take before visiting the dentist. With oral sedation, we will provide you with Halcion, which needs to be taken an hour before your appointment. You will not be able to drive while the medication is in your system. Halcion is a member of the Valium drug family and will make you drowsy. If you have extreme anxiety, this medication is one of the preferred methods. Some people can fall asleep during dental procedures.

Compared to IV sedation and deep sedation, oral sedation is typically preferred. IV sedation is a drug administered through a vein. If patients are in need of IV sedation, the doctor will need to continually adjust to prevent health concerns. Deep sedation and general anesthesia are used for patients who are unable to receive dental procedures while conscious. You will receive medications that will render you totally unconscious. If you need more information about Boston sedation dentistry, give us a call to schedule an appointment.

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