Sedation Dentistry
Do you have significant dental fears or anxiety? We use advanced sedation dentistry for a wide variety of in-house services to ensure that you are comfortable, calm, and relaxed through any dental treatment or procedure.
Sedation Dentistry in Birmingham, AL
Dental sedation refers to medicine designed to reduce physical pain associated with treatment or to reduce anxiety and help you feel more relaxed while dental work is being completed. This makes the experience more pleasant and ensures our staff can perform their duties more effectively. We offer dental sedation in local anesthesia, oral sedation, and laughing gas.
There are several different types of sedation a patient can choose from:
- Inhalation minimal sedation (laughing gas): You breathe the gas and oxygen through a mask placed over your nose. The gas helps you relax. Your dentist can control the sedation you receive, and the gas tends to wear off quickly (within 3-10 minutes). This is the only form of sedation where you can be able to drive yourself home after the procedure.
- Oral sedation: Depending on the total dose, oral sedation can range from minimal to moderate. For oral sedation, you take a pill, and it’s usually taken about an hour before the procedure. The pill will make you drowsy, although you’ll still be awake. A larger dose may be given to produce moderate sedation. This is the type of anesthesia most commonly associated with sedation dentistry. In addition to creating a feeling of deep relaxation, the medication may produce other effects. Patients may feel time passes quickly or retain little memory of their dental visit. Analgesic properties reduce the perception of pain or discomfort. You will need a driver to and from the office.
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What is laughing gas, and what does it do?
Laughing gas, known as nitrous oxide, is a colorless and odorless gas used for local sedation. It is widely used in dental procedures due to its fast-acting and safe effects. It is considered a safe sedation method and can be quickly reversed if needed.
Laughing Gas Eases Dental Procedures: We're Not Joking! -
What type of anesthesia are used for dental work?
The most common types of anesthesia are local and general. Local anesthesia is a numbing medication injected directly into the area to be treated—usually the gums around an affected tooth. In contrast, general anesthesia produces a more profound experience that usually leaves no memory of the actual procedure. It’s typically used for more intensive procedures, such as tooth extraction, dental implants, or other surgical procedures, and the patient is unconscious during the procedure.
Read: How to Manage Being Scared and Stressed at the Dentist -
What are the benefits of dental sedation?
There are several benefits of sedation dentistry, including:
- No IV needles
- Quiet and comfortable dental visit
- Safe and effective – FDA approved
- Little or no recollection of treatment – feels like sleeping
- No anxiety or stress during treatment
- Ability for patients to sit still for a period of time while they attain a healthy, beautiful smile
More questions about sedation dentistry?
If you’re interested in sedation dentistry, use the links below to schedule an appointment or to contact our office with any questions about the process.
