During a typical sedation dentistry appointment, you’ll be given an anti-anxiety medication upon your arrival, which will help you relax during your procedure. However, there are different levels and types of sedation that your dentist may offer based on your procedure and your level of anxiety.

But is sedation dentistry safe? Here’s what you need to know when considering elective
sedation at the dentist’s office!

All Types of Sedation Dentistry Are Considered to Be Safe

When proper guidelines are followed, sedation dentistry is considered to be a safe and effective practice for patients [1]. It’s important to work with an experienced dentist who offers sedation dentistry to better meet your unique needs when it comes to receiving dental care.

Not every dental practice offers sedation for patients with dental anxiety. If you’re looking for a dentist to partner with for your oral care needs and think sedation dentistry could be helpful for you, it’s best to find a dentist who offers sedation and speak with them more about their options for your comfort.

Potential Risks of Sedation Dentistry

Dentists that offer sedation take extra care to monitor your blood pressure, heart rate and temperature to ensure that you’re safe before, during, and after your procedure.

While children tend to tolerate sedation dentistry well, people who are obese or suffer from sleep apnea present unique challenges [2]. Sedation dentistry can still be done if you are overweight or have sleep apnea, and your dentist will discuss any risks with you and take extra precautions to ensure your safety.

Although rare, there is a small chance that you would have an allergic reaction to the medication used during your sedation procedure [3]. If you have any known allergies, be sure to inform your dentist prior to your appointment. Your dentist will make every effort to ensure a safe procedure!

Can You Drive Yourself Home Afterward?

There are different levels of sedation you may choose to have. The following are the most
common levels and whether or not you can drive yourself home after the appointment:

• Nitrous oxide. Better known as laughing gas, this is the lightest level of sedation, and its effects don’t last very long. You can typically drive yourself home after the procedure.
• Oral sedation. The level of sedation will vary based on your dose, but you’ll usually need someone to drive you home following your appointment.
• Moderate sedation. Typically done intravenously, this level of sedation can be easily adjusted, but will still require you to have transportation home afterward.
• General anesthesia. The effects will last the longest in this level of sedation, so you’ll need to be driven home after your appointment.

Your dentist will discuss specific aftercare instructions with you before your appointment so that you know what to expect.

Considering Sedation Dentistry?

If your dental anxiety has prevented you from getting the oral care you need, sedation dentistry is a safe and effective way to receive dental care while feeling comfortable. Consider looking for dentists that offer sedation dentistry in your area!

Sources:
1. http://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Education%20and%20Careers/Files/anesthesia_use
2. http://www.jdentaled.org/content/76/9/1129
3. https://www.cda.org/portals/0/pdfs/fact_sheets/nitrous_oxide_english.pdf

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When visiting the dentist, your comfort comes first. Dentists are here to help, and you should be able to receive the level of care you need at your dental practice of choice. Here are some things to consider when finding the best dentist for you and your family for the best care!

Look for an Oral Healthcare Professional Who Can Meet Your Needs

Determine what you’re looking for when it comes to an oral healthcare professional. Do you have small children and need a family-friendly dentist, or a dentist that provides after-hours emergency care just in case? Are you looking for an experienced cosmetic dentist for a smile makeover?

Regardless of what your goals are for your smile, find a dentist who can provide you and your family with the care you need. Contact dental practices in your area and don’t be afraid to ask questions about the types of services they provide and any specialties they may have.

Consider a Dental Practice That Offers Sedation Dentistry for Anxiety

If you have dental anxiety or dental phobia, you need a compassionate oral healthcare professional that has experience working with patients just like you. Today, many dentists offer sedation dentistry, which allows patients with severe anxiety to receive a sedative upon arriving for their appointment. With sedation dentistry, you can relax to your level of comfort and receive the treatment you need.

When looking for a dentist that provides sedation dentistry, it’s important to work with an experienced practice [1]. Look for dentists that specify that they offer sedation dentistry, then reach out to ask what types they offer to see if their options will work for you!

Schedule a Meet-and-Greet

If you’ve found a dentist that offers everything you’re looking for, you can schedule an in- person meet-and-greet to evaluate the dental practice further [2]. This way, you can get a feel for the friendliness of the staff, the cleanliness of the office, and speak with the dentist in person to find out more about them and to see if they’d be a good fit for what you’re looking for.

Most dental practices will consider this a consultation to review your goals for your smile and to review treatment options should you like to consider moving forward.

Your Teeth and Gums Deserve the Best Care!

The teeth and gums you have are for life. By partnering with a professional dentist to take the best care of your smile, you can ensure that your teeth remain healthy and strong for the decades ahead. Your comfort comes first at the dentist, so be sure to find the right one to support your oral health goals and have a beautiful smile!

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6327823/
2. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/dental-care-concerns/how-to-choose-a-dentist

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However, it’s understandable that some patients would want to avoid dental anesthesia. Many patients would prefer to avoid having an anesthetic injected into their mouth while some patients are worried about the possibility of a reaction to the anesthesia or being “put under” for a procedure.

Are there alternatives to dental anesthesia? Thanks to modern medicine, there are ways you can receive the treatment you need, pain-free!

Dental Lasers

Dental lasers have traditionally only been used for soft tissue in the oral cavity but can now be used for harder tissue as well. Dental lasers are quiet, do not require anesthesia, and do not cause pain, which helps to alleviate the anxiety many patients feel at having to have their mouth exposed to needles, drills, and other tools.

Lasers also help make dental procedures more effective. Your dentist can work quickly and efficiently to complete your procedure without worrying about your anesthesia wearing off or controlling bleeding. Lasers can help to prepare a tooth for a filling, can be used to reshape gum tissue, and much more.

Dental lasers are rapidly becoming a staple at dental offices in place of traditional anesthesia and are transforming dentistry as well as patient experience at the dentist office.

Electronic Anesthesia

Electronic anesthesia, commonly referred to as Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), a specific form of electronic anesthesia, helps patients to control their pain at the dentist office.

TENS consists of pads that are placed on the outside of your mouth as close as possible to the area that is receiving the dental treatment. These stimulation pads deliver an electrical current that’s controlled by you—you control the amount of stimulation you receive using a device you hold in your hand.

The voltage is very low and provides the benefit of avoiding the risk of reaction to anesthesia, avoiding injections, and also avoiding any side effects—after the pads are removed and the procedure is complete, you can return home with no lasting effects.

Electronic anesthesia helps stop nerves from signaling to the brain that the body is in pain. This procedure is helping patients to take control of their pain management in the dentist’s chair and alleviating the need for traditional anesthesia.

When it comes to receiving anesthesia at the dentist’s office, you aren’t limited to managing your pain in a specific way. Many dental practices are now offering innovative and advanced techniques to help you receive the treatment you need with as little discomfort as possible. Ask your dentist about their experience with lasers or electronic anesthesia to receive the treatment you need for your smile!

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Fortunately, you don’t have to let dental anxiety or dental phobia prevent you from going to
the dentist. With modern sedation options, your dentist may be able to help alleviate your
anxiety during your appointment and get the treatment you need for healthy teeth and gums!

What are your sedation options to help stop dental anxiety when it comes to seeing your
dentist?

Mild Sedation: Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, often referred to as laughing gas, is an inhaled substance that’s used to stop the patient from experiencing pain and anxiety during a procedure.

While inhaling nitrous oxide, you won’t be asleep, but you won’t feel anxious either. Laughing gas is considered to be safe and is used at the majority of dental practices. Nitrous oxide is considered a non-invasive form of sedation as you’ll simply breathe it in through a mask.

The effects of this form of dental sedation are short-lived and you can drive yourself home from the appointment without any lasting effects.

Moderate Sedation: Oral Sedation

If you’d like to be a bit more sedated due to your dental fear or anxiety, you may want to ask your dentist about oral sedation.

During this form of sedation, you’ll be prescribed a pill or a liquid that you’ll take before your appointment. You will need someone to drive you to and from the appointment, but the idea is that you’ll arrive to your appointment relaxed and worry-free.

You may receive other forms of sedation during your treatment as needed to control pain or anxiety, but many people find that this form of conscious sedation helps them to visit their dentist without fear.

Moderate to Heavy Sedation: IV Sedation

Receiving a heavier form of sedation is possible at your dentist’s office with IV sedation, in
which the sedative will be administered directly into your vein for an instantaneous effect.

IV sedation is considered a moderate to heavy form of sedation in which you’ll still be awake and aware, but may feel as though you are asleep. This type of sedation is often used for shorter dental procedures.

As with oral sedation, you will require someone to drive you home from the appointment and may need a bit of time to recover from the sedative following your procedure.

Deep Sedation: General Anesthesia

General anesthesia is the deepest form of sedation you can receive. You’ll essentially be asleep for your entire procedure and may not even recall the procedure. Your dentist or oral surgeon will administer this sedative through an IV.

The effects of general anesthesia have the potential to affect you for hours after your
appointment, so it’s important to plan for this as well as to plan for someone to be waiting for you at the office to take you home.

General anesthesia is typically only considered for dental patients who need oral surgery or for people who for one reason or another do not qualify for other forms of sedation dentistry.

Have you been suffering from dental anxiety or dental phobia and let it prevent you from going to the dentist? You have options for receiving sedation dentistry to get the care you need, even if it’s just a professional teeth cleaning. Talk with your dentist about your sedation options to help alleviate your fear and anxiety at the dentist!

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How can the right dentist help you overcome your dental phobia?

Schedule a Meeting

It’s important to find a dentist you can trust and communicate with regarding your dental
phobia. Find a dentist who cares and is sensitive to your needs and understands that everyone
tolerates pain differently.

Schedule a meeting with a potential dentist to see how you feel about them. This meeting
won’t necessarily be a consultation, it’s just a meeting—tell yourself that you are not going to
get any dental work done, just talk to the dentist to see how you feel about potentially moving
forward.

Review Techniques to Help You Feel More in Control

Once you find a dentist that you like and decide you want to pursue treatment with, you and
your dentist can discuss utilizing techniques to help you feel more in control of your experience
in the dentist’s chair.

One of these techniques is having the dentist explain the procedure to you in detail. This
explanation includes exactly what will happen and even showing you different tools that will be
used and explaining to you their purpose and how long they will be used for and what you can
expect to feel.

You and your dentist can also agree on a signal that you can use when you need a break during
the procedure. Some patients also find it helpful to use headphones to listen to familiar and
relaxing music during the procedure to help them feel calmer.

Consider Sedation Dentistry

If you find that you’re still uncomfortable with the idea of going to the dentist for any type of
treatment, it may be beneficial to find a dentist who utilizes sedation dentistry.

Sedation dentistry is designed specifically for people who experience dental anxiety or dental phobia to help them relax to their comfort level while at the dentist. Many dentists use sedation dentistry to help patients with legitimate fears of the dentist to receive the care that they need.

Your dentist can customize your level of sedation, from lightly relaxed to completely asleep
(general anesthesia). Talking with your dentist about the different types of sedation dentistry
can help you choose the right one for the procedure you need.

If you’re not able to even speak to a dentist or schedule a meeting, it might be helpful to first
seek the help of a counselor or therapist who can talk with you about your fears and work with
you to overcome them.

Dental phobia doesn’t have to stop you from getting your smile taken care of. You have options to overcome your dental phobia to help your smile stay healthy. You can begin by scheduling a meeting with a dentist, or maybe your first step is to speak with a counselor. Dental phobia gets easier once you begin addressing your fears!

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How long do problems with the TMJ last? Here’s what you can expect based on the cause of your TMJ problems as determined by a dentist.

If the Cause Is Genetic

For some people, the cause of their issues with the TMJ are genetic. Everyone has a differently shaped mouth and jaw, and for some people, these shapes just don’t fit well together. For some of these patients, surgery or orthodontics may be able to remedy the problem. For others, their TMJ pain won’t be able to be cured, but managed, making TMJ last a lifetime.

Only a professional dentist can determine the cause of your TMJ disorder, so don’t attempt to self-diagnose in an effort to treat your pain at home. With the right diagnosis, you’ll receive the right treatment!

If the Cause Is Malocclusion

Malocclusion, an improper bite, can cause problems with the TMJ. A malocclusion could include an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite. Fortunately, simple orthodontics can treat the majority of cases in these bites. For some severe cases, surgery may be needed, but for most, braces can help alleviate TMJ pain.

If your dentist suspects you’re suffering from TMJ pain as a result of an improper bite, he or she can refer you to an orthodontist who can further evaluate the problem and discuss a treatment plan with you to permanently fix your TMJ discomfort.

If the Cause Is Stress

For still some other patients, a combination of problems will cause their TMJ disorder. Some patients have recurring TMJ pain due to stress. In cases like these, TMJ is likely temporary, especially if there is no additional underlying cause to be found.

If your dentist isn’t finding an additional cause, stress management techniques can help you reduce any stiffness, soreness, or tension that you’re experiencing as a result of problems with your TMJ. Stress management techniques may be different for different people, with the most common being relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, therapy, and exercise.

Other Causes

There are other causes of TMJ disorders, including teeth grinding, which is also referred to as bruxism. Bruxism can absolutely be treated which can help alleviate stress on your TMJ. The exact cause of your TMJ disorder may be a combination of causes, so working with a professional gives you your best chance to help alleviate your pain.

Are you experiencing TMJ pain and are afraid it will last for life? For many people, their TMJ pain is treatable if not curable. Visiting your dentist is the first step in identifying what is causing your TMJ discomfort and what your treatment steps should be. Seeking help for your TMJ pain sooner rather than later can help you avoid unnecessary pain and stress!

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You can take simple steps to stop clenching your teeth and prevent damage to your gum tissue
and tooth enamel with the help of your dentist. Here’s how.

Step One: Visit Your Dentist

Although you may want to jump right into the lifestyle changes, take time to visit your dentist.
Your dentist is going to be your most valuable asset when it comes to curbing your teeth
clenching habit. Trying to fix the problem on your own is not going to be worth ruining your
teeth!

A dentist can assess the damage and provide some immediate help. A custom-made
mouthguard can help you protect your smile from further damage while you take active steps
to stop the problem. Although a mouthguard can help tremendously, it won’t stop your jaw
clenching habit on its own. It will, however, stop your teeth from taking the full impact of the
damage.

Your dentist can also evaluate your teeth for any alignment problems that could be contributing
to your jaw clenching. For this, your dentist may refer you to an orthodontist to properly
address the problem.

Step Two: Minimize Stress

Stress is often the primary cause of jaw clenching and teeth grinding. The good news is that you
can take steps to reduce your stress. Your dentist and primary care physician can help, but here
are a few good starting points:

 Exercise regularly. Exercising can help release tension and majorly cut down on stress.

 Take on less at work. If you’re logging in many hours and not getting enough rest, you
can take on less at work to better manage your stress and improve your health!

 Meditate. Meditation has been shown to help people manage stress, chronic pain, and
much more. Take a few minutes every day to simply pay attention to your breathing.

 Get professional help. Know when to seek professional help for your stress
management.

Doing whatever is necessary to minimize stress is so important, as stress has other unhealthy
effects on the body and is suspected to be the cause of many illnesses.

Step 3: Adjust Your Bedtime Routine

Getting enough rest isn’t only an excellent way to help manage your stress, it can also help stop
your jaw clenching, especially if you do it while you sleep and don’t realize it.

To help wind down before bed, stay off all electronics for at least one hour before you go to
sleep. You can also avoid caffeine, coffee, tea, soda, and chocolate. All of these substances act
as stimulants and can impact your quality of sleep to prevent you from getting the proper rest
you need. Alcohol is another beverage that can disrupt your sleep!

If you clench your jaw and are noticing headaches, sore neck, face, or jaw muscles, it’s time to
make an appointment with your dentist. These are all signs that your jaw clenching is impacting
your life and you need to get help before it gets worse. Call your dentist today to get help
stopping your jaw clenching once and for all!

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Dental sedation is something many dentists now offer their patients with dental anxiety. It’s used during procedures that may not necessarily require sedation, but sedation is necessary in order for the patient to relax during treatment.

Sedation choices are administered in different ways and will vary by your anxiety level. You can speak with your dentist before your appointment about which one is right for you. Here are your options when it comes to sedation dentistry.

Low Anxiety: Laughing Gas (Nitrous Oxide)

You’ve certainly heard of laughing gas, which is one of the lightest forms of sedation. Its effects will wear off fairly quickly and you’ll be alert and conscious throughout the procedure, although you may not remember all of it. Laughing gas is ideal for patients who need to be able to drive themselves home after the procedure or return to work afterward.

Laughing gas may be a good fit for you if you feel uncomfortable with deeper levels of sedation and want to be as alert as possible throughout the procedure. However, you’ll still be relaxed and pain-free, making this form of sedation a good choice for people who suffer from low anxiety.

Moderate Anxiety: Oral Sedatives

If you suffer from moderate dental anxiety, oral sedatives may be a better choice for you. These are medications that you’ll take prior to your appointment, and include diazepam (Valium), zaleplon (Sonata), and lorazepam (Ativan). All of these are designed to take effect before you go to the dentist, so you’ll need to arrange for someone to drive you to and from the appointment.

Under this type of sedation, you’re still fully awake but your anxiety will be gone. You may feel relaxed and sleepy until the medication gets out of your system, and you may not remember your procedure very well. Your dentist can talk with you about which type of medication would be best and can arrange for a prescription prior to your appointment.

Severe Anxiety: General Anesthesia

For people with severe dental anxiety or dental phobia, general anesthesia may be the best option. Although general anesthesia is usually used to put people into a state of complete unconsciousness, your dentist will be able to control your level of unconsciousness to provide you with just the right level of sedation for your needs.

This type of anesthesia may be used for more intensive dental work. It’s done intravenously, so no oral sedatives or nitrous oxide will be used with this form of sedation. Although it provides the most calm during your appointment, it’s best reserved for people who have severe dental anxiety and need the highest level of sedation to relax and be comfortable during their time in the dentist chair.

Have you been putting off a dentist appointment because of your dental anxiety? You may benefit from dental sedation. Schedule a visit to talk with your dentist about the different types of sedation. From laughing gas to oral sedatives to general anesthesia, you could improve your experience at the dentist through the right type of dental sedation!

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What Procedures It’s Used In

Laughing gas can be used for any procedure in which the patient feels anxious, has a gag reflex that may prevent dental care, a patient who cannot receive other forms of anesthesia, or children who can’t tolerate dental procedures, such as those with special needs.

Does Laughing Gas Cause Adverse Reactions?

Although reactions from laughing gas are rare, they can happen in some patients. They usually are the result of too much laughing gas or from the gas being inhaled too rapidly. Patients who have reactions may get headaches, feel cold or hot, feel nauseous or need to vomit, or be very tired. Your dentist will ensure you receive the right amount of laughing gas to be comfortable for your procedure.

How Laughing Gas Works

Your dentist will place a small mask—sometimes called a clown nose—over your nose and have you breathe normally through your nose. You will not fall asleep and will still be able to speak with the dentist and respond to questions.

Laughing gas usually takes a few minutes to take effect and the effects begin to wear off as soon as the mask is removed. Once the gas is discontinued, you’ll receive oxygen for about five minutes to help you avoid a headache later. Oxygen also helps to fully get rid of the gas once the effects wear off and your procedure is done!

How Should You Prepare for Laughing Gas?

You should have something on your stomach before your procedure, but eating a big meal isn’t recommended before or after the procedure. You should talk to your dentist about when it’s ok for you to eat or drive following the procedure.

Laughing Gas and Children

Laughing gas is safe for children and is actually the most commonly used form of sedation dentistry for kids. It can be very helpful in relaxing children for procedures that would otherwise be frightening or painful.

Who Should Not Receive Laughing Gas?

Women who are in their first trimester of pregnancy, patients who have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a history of substance abuse or mental health concerns should speak with their dentist prior to the procedure about whether or not nitrous oxide will be safe for them to have.

Laughing gas is always used for relatively short procedures and can help keep you relaxed and still while relieving any anxiety you may have. Laughing gas has many advantages as a form of sedation—you can talk with your dentist about whether or not laughing gas would be a good fit for your dental procedure or a dental procedure for your child that requires anesthesia.

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Nitrous Oxide: Minimal Sedation

You may know this gas by its more common name, laughing gas. This is the lightest level of sedation and the only one in which you should be able to drive home after your appointment. Nitrous oxide is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a mask that your dentist puts on your nose. As nitrous oxide has a short-term effect, you’ll feel relatively normal soon after the procedure.

Oral Sedation: From Mild to Moderate

Oral sedation is totally customizable—you and your dentist can discuss which level of sedation would be best to help relieve your dental anxiety. For this type of sedation, you’ll usually swallow a pill about an hour or so before your dental procedure. While you may become drowsy, you will still be awake and be able to respond. This is one of the most common sedation dentistry methods used as the dose can be adjusted for mild to moderate sedation.

IV Sedation: Moderate Sedation

For IV sedation, you’ll receive your sedation through an IV. This will allow the drug to quickly relax you before your procedure. This is not the same as general anesthesia, in which you would be totally unconscious during the procedure. During an IV sedation, you are still partially awake and able to respond to commands or stimuli. This is for people who don’t respond well to oral sedation or would like a quicker method of relaxation rather than waiting for a medication to work.

General Anesthesia: Deep Sedation

General anesthesia is the deepest level of sedation in which you will be totally unconscious during the dental procedure. You will not be able to respond to commands or be roused from your state. General anesthesia requires that your breathing and heart rate be monitored, as this deep level of sedation affects these most basic functions. This form of sedation may be used if you need a lot of dental work, cannot relax even with the other methods of sedation, or if you need oral surgery.

Sedation dentistry makes going to the dentist easier for people who suffer from dental anxiety. It can enable patients who haven’t been to the dentist in years to get the much needed treatment they need without the fear and anxiety of pain. It’s important to find a dentist who’s experienced in sedation dentistry and understands your fears and concerns. Find a local dentist who can offer sedation dentistry to relieve your dental anxiety so that you can enjoy your smile again!

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