Sometimes fear and anxiety can take over when some Aurora area residents think about having oral surgery. Even though there have been significant advances in the world of dentistry, some people still do everything they can to avoid getting the care they need. If you have been putting off necessary oral surgery because you suffer from dental anxiety, we’ve got the perfect solution for you – sedation dentistry! Keep reading to learn more about sedation dentistry and how it can help you maintain your healthy smile.
Types of Sedation Dentistry
What type of sedation dentistry you will require all depends on the degree of anxiety you experience when visiting the dentist. Sedation dentistry allows Aurora patients, who would otherwise avoid dental appointments, to have the treatments they need to stay healthy. Dr. Ivey offers several types of sedation dentistry, including:
- Oral Sedatives – Dr. Ivey can provide mild oral sedatives to his patients to provide a calming effect. Medications like diazepam can be given to patients before their appointment to ease their fear of getting in the dental chair. However, oral sedatives do not provide any pain relief, so Dr. Ivey will also inject local anesthesia into your gums to provide that relief. It is important to note that if you are given an oral sedative, you will need a responsible adult with you at your appointment to drive you home. Oral sedatives cause drowsiness, and you will be unable to drive for several hours.
- IV Sedation – When you choose to have IV sedation, Dr. Ivey will use an IV to administer your medication. This method works quickly because it will go directly into your bloodstream. However, like oral sedatives, IV sedation does not provide any pain relief and local anesthesia will need to be used. This form of sedation also requires that you have a responsible adult accompany you, and be available to drive you home afterward.
- Nitrous Oxide Sedation – This sedation method is administered through a facial mask and starts to take effect within minutes. Nitrous oxide is an odorless gas that provides patients with a feeling of relaxation and euphoria and lasts only as long as the mask is worn. This sedation option is a good choice for people who need to drive after their appointment, as the effects from the gas wear off within minutes. Nitrous oxide does not provide pain relief, so local anesthesia will need to be used.
- General Anesthesia – With general anesthesia, Dr. Ivey’s Aurora, patients are completely unconscious and unaware of their surroundings. Because of this, a local anesthetic is not necessary. General anesthesia is usually reserved for patients who are immune to IV sedation medication, patients who are having major dental surgery, or in rare cases, patients who are unable to respond or be cooperative during their treatment. With this method of sedation dentistry, a responsible adult must accompany you to your appointment and be available to drive you home afterward.
Degrees of Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry provides varying degrees of sedation, and Dr. Ivey’s patients should consider each of them carefully before making a decision on which sedation method to use. The different degrees of sedation dentistry include:
- Anxiolysis – This degree of sedation provides “light sedation” for patients at Ivey Oral & Facial Surgery. Nitrous oxide is the most commonly used sedation method for inducing this type of calming effect.
- Conscious Sedation – Conscious sedation is considered “moderate sedation” and can be achieved through nitrous oxide or IV sedation. During conscious sedation, Aurora patients are awake and can respond to Dr. Ivey but will be extremely relaxed.
- Deep Sedation – During deep sedation, patients are not able to consistently respond to those around them. This degree of sedation is a state of unawareness between unconsciousness and consciousness.
- Unconsciousness – When Aurora patients elect to have general anesthesia, they enter a state of unconsciousness. During this time, patients will not be able to respond to commands and will need help breathing, as general anesthesia causes the airway to close.
Stop Neglecting Your Dental Health
Now that you know your dental anxiety can be relieved through sedation dentistry at Ivey Oral & Facial Surgery, what are you waiting for? Call Dr. Ivey at his Centennial office today to schedule that overdue appointment. Dr. Ivey and his team provide a welcoming and comforting environment for all their patients and want to make your experience with them an enjoyable one. You can reach them at (303) 493-1933.
