Many people struggle with anxiety and phobias during dental care, and an area known as sedation dentistry is used to combat this and several pain concerns for certain procedures. Sedation dentistry is aimed at enabling individuals to receive the dental care they need while avoiding common apprehension – known as dental phobia. At the offices of Scott W. Grant, D.M.D., we offer IV sedation dentistry as our primary form of sedation. For your education, let’s look at each of the levels of dental sedation that are commonly used in the field.
Anxiolysis
Anxiolysis is the most minimal and mild form of sedation, and it’s to help relieve anxiety. Inhalation analgesia, more commonly known as “laughing gas,” is one of these types, and there are several pill types that will fall under this category as well. If you require these kinds of basic sedations, be sure to tell your dentist about all current medications you’re taking, and any medical conditions you suffer from.
Moderate Sedation
Moderate sedation refers to a depressed level of consciousness. You can breathe normally, retain your reflexes and respond to verbal and physical stimulation. This is the form that most of our IV sedation dentistry falls under, and it can also be completed using oral methods. Injection has the quickest effect, and is best for most shorter procedures.
Deep Sedation
Deep sedation is not technically considered a sedation dentistry modality, but it will be used in certain cases for which a deeper sedation is needed. A patient may not breath independently, and may lose some of their reflexes and be unable to respond to stimulation.
General Anesthesia
General anesthesia is also not part of sedation dentistry, though it is often used for a small percentage of people who are not good candidates for sedation dentistry. Want to learn more about sedation dentistry, or any of our other dental services? Contact the offices of Scott W. Grant, D.M.D. today.
