For some people, going to the dentist is a routine part of staying healthy. For others, even scheduling an appointment can bring feelings of dental anxiety or fear. Dental anxiety is common, and at at berg Dental Group, we're here to help ensure it doesn't prevent you from getting the care you need.
Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients feel calmer and more comfortable during dental treatment. Depending on your needs and the procedure, your dentist may recommend different levels of sedation. At our dental practice in Tacoma, WA, Dr. Brian Berg and his team offer three forms of sedation dentistry: nitrous oxide, conscious oral sedation, and IV sedation. Dr. Berg completed a dental anesthesiology residency and has extensive experience providing sedation services.
Here's what you should know about the different types of sedation dentistry.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry involves using medication to help patients relax during dental treatment. It may be recommended for patients who experience dental anxiety or phobia, have difficulty sitting comfortably through dental procedures, or need more extensive dental treatment.
Sedation is not necessarily the same thing as being completely unconscious. Different types of sedation produce different levels of relaxation and awareness. Some patients remain fully awake and able to communicate, while deeper forms of sedation can make patients much less aware of their surroundings.
Dr. Berg will consider factors such as your medical history, medications, anxiety level, and planned procedure when determining whether sedation is appropriate and which option may be suitable.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Nitrous oxide, commonly called laughing gas, is one of the mildest forms of dental sedation. With nitrous oxide sedation, you breathe the colorless, odorless gas through a small mask placed over your nose. It can help you feel relaxed during your dental procedure while remaining conscious and able to communicate with your dental team.
What Are the Benefits of Nitrous Oxide?
Nitrous oxide may be a good option for patients who experience mild to moderate dental anxiety or who want help feeling more relaxed during a procedure.
Common benefits include:
- A feeling of calm and relaxation
- Remaining conscious and able to communicate
- A mild sedative effect
- Rapid recovery after treatment
- Use during procedures such as fillings and extractions
At berg Dental Group, the effects of nitrous oxide wear off quickly after treatment, making it a convenient option for appropriate patients.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation uses prescribed medication taken before your dental appointment. The medication helps reduce anxiety and promotes a relaxed state while you remain conscious during treatment.
Oral sedation can produce a mild to moderate level of sedation, and some patients may remember less of their procedure afterward.
What Are the Benefits of Oral Sedation?
Oral conscious sedation may be appropriate for patients who experience more significant dental anxiety than can be managed with nitrous oxide alone.
Potential benefits include:
- Reduced anxiety
- A deeper feeling of relaxation
- Remaining conscious during treatment
- Reduced memory of the procedure for some patients
- An option for patients who are nervous about dental treatment
Because oral sedation can affect alertness and coordination, your dental team will provide specific instructions about what you should and should not do before and after your appointment.
IV Sedation
IV sedation delivers sedative medication directly into the bloodstream, allowing the medication to take effect quickly and giving the dental team greater control over the level of sedation.
Berg Dental Group offers IV sedation for patients with severe dental anxiety as well as those undergoing more extensive dental treatment. IV sedation allows patients to relax deeply and be less aware of the procedure.
What Are the Benefits of IV Sedation?
IV sedation may be considered for patients who have significant dental anxiety or who require extensive dental work.
Potential benefits include:
- A deeper level of relaxation
- Reduced awareness of the procedure
- Rapid onset of sedation
- An option for longer or more involved dental procedures
- Helping patients who have previously avoided dental treatment because of fear
Berg Dental Group's sedation services are overseen by Dr. Berg, who completed a dental anesthesiology residency and has extensive training and experience in anesthesia and sedation.
Which Type of Sedation Is Right for Me?
The right sedation method for you will depend on your needs and health history. For a patient with mild dental anxiety, nitrous oxide may provide enough relaxation to make an appointment more comfortable. A patient with greater anxiety may benefit from oral conscious sedation, while IV sedation may be considered for severe dental anxiety or more extensive procedures.
Dr. Berg will evaluate your individual circumstances before recommending a sedation option. Your health history, current medications, procedure, anxiety level, and other factors can all affect which approach is appropriate.
It's also important to remember that sedation doesn't eliminate the need for local anesthesia when a procedure requires it. Your dental team can explain how sedation and local anesthetic work together to help keep you comfortable.
Who Can Benefit From Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry isn't limited to people who describe themselves as "afraid of the dentist." It may also be helpful for patients who:
- Have significant dental anxiety or dental phobia
- Have had difficult dental experiences in the past
- Have trouble sitting still or becoming comfortable during treatment
- Have a strong gag reflex
- Need extensive dental treatment
- Have postponed necessary dental care because of fear or anxiety
- Want to feel more relaxed during a longer procedure
If dental anxiety has caused you to delay or avoid treatment, talking with Dr. Berg and his team about sedation may help you explore options for receiving the care you need.
What Can I Expect From Sedation Dentistry?
Your experience will depend on the type of sedation being used.
Before treatment, your team at berg Dental Group will review your health history and discuss the planned procedure and sedation method. You'll receive instructions about preparing for your appointment, including any eating, drinking, or medication guidelines that apply to your specific sedation plan.
During treatment, your dental team will monitor you and provide the appropriate level of care for the sedation method being used.
Afterward, recovery time and post-treatment instructions will vary depending on the type of sedation. Make sure you follow your dental team's instructions carefully, including any restrictions on driving or other activities.
Sedation Dentistry at berg Dental Group
If dental anxiety has kept you from getting the dental care you need, you don't have to push through it alone. Our team will be with you to offer support at every step of your treatment, and sedation dentistry can provide another way to approach dental treatment with greater comfort and relaxation.
At berg Dental Group in Tacoma, Dr. Brian Berg and his team offer nitrous oxide, conscious oral sedation, and IV sedation. Our practice has focused on anxiety-free dentistry for decades and offers a range of dental services in one location, from preventive care and restorative dentistry to oral surgery and emergency treatment.
Our practice also emphasizes creating a calm, comfortable environment for patients, with amenities such as cozy blankets, noise-canceling headphones, and massaging chairs available at its Tacoma office.
Don't Let Dental Anxiety Keep You From Your Smile
Dental anxiety is real, but it doesn't have to stand between you and the dental care you need. Sedation dentistry gives qualified patients several options for making treatment feel more manageable.
If you're considering sedation, start by talking openly with Dr. Berg about your concerns. Together, you can discuss your treatment needs, medical history, and available sedation options to determine what may be appropriate for you.
Looking for a sedation dentist in Tacoma, WA? Contact berg Dental Group to schedule a consultation and learn more about your sedation dentistry options.
