Many patients feel anxious and nervous prior to a scheduled dentist appointment. It is absolutely normal to feel a little bit worked up before an invasive procedure, although there is nothing to worry about since your dentist is a highly skilled professional. However, there are some patients who use sedation to relieve their pre-treatment anxiety and relax during their visit.
What Type of Sedatives Are Used?
Your dentist may use different types of sedatives and dosages, depending on the degree of sedation they want to achieve. Some patients require only mild sedation and are given oral sedatives. This is done to relieve anxiety while maintaining the patient’s response to stimuli and an almost normal degree of awareness.
If deeper sedation is required, nitrous oxide is administered. Deeper sedation is necessary for more control and to manage certain reflexes that may interfere with the procedure. Before administering, your dentist will make sure you don’t suffer from a medical condition or allergies that could make sedation dangerous.
Common Uses for Sedation:
– A more relaxed and comfortable patient.
– Adequate movement control for precise dental maneuvers.
– Increased patient cooperation and control of reflexes.
– No painful memory of the dental procedure and a reduction in the number of necessary appointments.
How Do Sedatives Work?
Sedatives that are used temporarily inhibit certain regions of the brain that are responsible for awareness, anxiety, and movement. Specifically, the sedatives are known to activate the inhibitory circuits in the brain that use GABA as a neurotransmitter, which results in a decreased excitation of brain cells and a reduction of fear and restlessness. Used occasionally, sedatives are rarely associated with serious side effects. They work in a way similar to sleeping pills, but their rare usage for dentistry purposes makes them safe and non-addictive.
Sedation dentistry is an excellent way to get the dental treatment you need without anxiety and stress. A stress-free dentist visit is pleasant for both the patient and the doctor. Talk to your dentist if you feel that sedation dentistry will benefit you.