Dentists get a bad rap and because of this, many people are afraid to see them. They end up waiting until the dental problem becomes an emergency. Everyone thinks that all dentists do is inflict pain, but that isn't true. As a matter of fact, we are in the age of painless dentistry. Ok, you may not like the shot that numbs your teeth when you get a filling, but you'd like it even less if we didn’t give you the shot. Ask the people that had fillings without anything to numb their mouth, they’ll tell you. Dentistry is way better than it used to be. But some people still feel a lot of anxiety when they come to the dentist. For them, we have oral sedation.

What Is Oral Sedation?

Oral sedation is a procedure that involves the patient taking a drug that relaxes them. There are four levels of relaxation which are directly related to how anxious you are about the dental procedure to be performed. You can be minimally sedated, moderately sedated, deep sedated or general anesthesia. General anesthesia is typically what most people relate to a medical surgery where they put you “under."

When you are minimally sedated you will be very relaxed. But the relaxation will allow you to stay awake and alert. You will be able to see what is going on and you will be able to communicate with the dentist. There are two ways to get minimally sedated; a mild sedative in pill form or breathing nitrous oxide.

Moderate sedation leaves you relaxed and awake, but with a groggy feeling about the procedure. Usually this level of sedation is achieved by taking a higher dose of the mild sedative or by getting the sedative drug through an IV.

With deep sedation and general anesthesia, you are “out cold.” You are unconscious for the procedure and you will need to make arrangements to be picked up when it is finished. If you have any questions, or if you would like to learn more, please call us today at (360) 647-1715.