Calm Your Jitters With Sedation Dentistry

Does just thinking about going to the dentist make you feel nervous? You aren’t alone. Up to 20% of adults in the United States have some type of dental anxiety. However, this shouldn’t prevent you from getting the oral care you need.

At Periodontist of Weston, Tamir Segal, DMD, and his team offer sedation dentistry to give you a way to relax and calm your jitters during your next dental visit or procedure.

What is sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry, or “sleep” dentistry, uses different types of medications in order for you to be calm and comfortable during dental procedures. It can be used for procedures that are long and arduous or for overall dental anxiety. 

It may be wise to consider sedation dentistry if you:

• Feel claustrophobic in a dentist’s chair
• Have an overly sensitive gag reflex
• Have a fear of needles
• Have a low pain threshold 
• Have difficulty sitting still or controlling body movements

Sedation dentistry can be used for just a simple teeth cleaning or for longer procedures that require dental work.  

Your sedation options

There are a few different types of sedation that we use at Periodontist of Weston. Dr. Segal can help determine the best option for you that suits your needs. The route you choose depends on your dental procedure and your anxiety level.

Laughing gas

Laughing gas, or nitrous oxide, is a gas you inhale through a mask. It should cause you to feel very relaxed. You remain awake with this type of sedation, and the effects should wear off quickly. Because of this, you should be able to drive yourself home afterward.

Oral sedation

The strength of oral sedation can range depending on the type we use and the dose we give you. You can receive oral sedation with a pill or via fluid. You typically become very groggy, and you may even fall asleep, though not deeply.

General anesthesia

When you receive general anesthesia, it should put you in a total state of unconsciousness. You won’t feel any pain or even remember the procedure. We typically administer general anesthesia through an IV while you also breathe in laughing gas.

Both oral sedation and general anesthesia can cause you to be groggy for some time afterward, so make arrangements before your procedure to have someone take you home when your appointment is over.

Choosing your next step

For more information about sedation dentistry, don’t hesitate to call our office at 954-385-9599 in Weston, Florida, or book an appointment online today. We’re happy to talk with you about what we offer.