So you’ve just had an injury that’s put your tooth in a lot of pain. Your first thought is to examine the area, take some painkillers, and hope that the issue will simply go away. Fast forward to tomorrow and the pain is still there. You tell your friend about this and he says, “Why not just go to the dentist?”
If you struggle to visit your emergency dentist in Los Angeles, even when you know that you need treatment, you’ll want to keep reading. He has a solution for your anxiety not just now, but for all future visits.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is the practice of using sedatives to help patients receive dental care. It’s become increasingly common due to the high number of patients who exhibit anxiety or fear of dental treatments. In fact, one in five people experience these negative emotions associated with dental care.
With the help of sedation techniques administered by your dentist, you don’t have to put off your treatment, especially if it’s an emergency. It’s truly the last thing you should do, but it’s not your fault that you feel anxious. Many patients report having a bad experience with a previous dentist, typically at a young age. As a result, visits become extremely difficult or even impossible to manage.
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
When administered by a trained and certified professional, your dentist in Los Angeles can assure you and all patients that sedation dentistry is completely safe. In order to provide sedation, even the most basic methods like nitrous oxide, otherwise known as “laughing gas,” dentists need to go through a certification process. They require even more training if they want to offer more substantial methods, such as oral conscious sedation and IV sedation.
Furthermore, patients are required to answer a questionnaire before receiving any sedatives to confirm that their current medications or medical conditions don’t conflict. This way, your dentist can offer you the smoothest dental care possible without any interruptions.
How Do I Receive Sedation?
As previously mentioned, sedation is typically given through three different forms. Each method has it’s own uses depending on the patient’s needs. Take a moment to read the breakdown for each below:
- Nitrous Oxide – The mildest sedative available, nitrous oxide is ideal for patients with mild anxiety. This method is administered through a nasal mask and induces feelings of calmness and warmth. Once the mask is removed, the effects disappear as quickly as they began.
- Oral Conscious Sedation – For more moderate anxiety, oral conscious sedation is administered through a pill. This is taken at home before the appointment and requires a parent or friend to drive patients to and from the practice. Not only will patients feel comfortable, but they won’t remember most of their treatment.
- IV Sedation – For extreme dental fear or anxiety, IV sedation can be administered intravenously. It can be adjusted on the fly to meet your comfort needs and also requires an escort home due to its strong effects.
Don’t let dental fears interfere with your emergency treatment. Your dentist is more than prepared to help patients no matter what their needs are. Schedule an appointment today!
About the Author
Dr. Les Latner is trained to treat patients with all different levels of anxiety or fear thanks to sedation dentistry. After having a consultation with him on your needs, him and his team will determine which method is the most effective to make your dental care calm, relaxing, and easy! To learn more about his practice, contact him through his website.