According to a study published by the Journal of the American Dental Association, an estimated 75% of US adults experience some mild to severe form of dental phobia. An estimated 5-10% avoid dental care at all costs. Lack of regular dental examinations can lead to emergencies such as abscesses or infection. Fear of the dentist should not be the reason to avoid care. Most dentists have options to relax fearful patients for simple procedures like cleanings, to more invasive procedures like oral surgery. Miami Perio offers three forms of sedation dentistry.
IV Sedation
During IV sedation, the patient receives a sedative drug through the vein. This enables the dentist to adjust the level of sedation throughout the procedure based on the needs of the patient. Dentists using IV sedation must have special board certification.
Oral Sedation
In this form of sedation, patients are usually orally administered a sedative an hour before the procedure. The pill will make the patient drowsy, but he or she will usually stay awake. Oral sedation is used most commonly for less invasive procedures. Patients do sometimes fall asleep and there is a possibility of mild amnesia, but this is not common.
Inhalation Conscious Sedation
Also known as “laughing gas,” this form of sedation is well known because of its portrayal in TV and movies. Patients breathe nitrous oxide through a mask before the procedure. It is meant to help the patient relax. The gas wears off quickly, so the dentist must continually adjust the sedation throughout the procedure.
If you have a fear of dental procedures, be open with your dentist and he or she will be able to propose a sedation treatment that will fit your needs. For a consultation, contact Miami Perio today at 305-447-1447.
