Can Sedation Dentistry Help with Multiple Treatments?
Sedation dentistry can ease dental anxiety and allow you to relax through lengthy treatments. The doctors of 38th Street Dental offer nitrous oxide and oral sedation options.
While many associate sedation dentistry with treating dental phobia, sedatives can benefit anyone who is undergoing lengthy procedures or multiple treatments.
During your consultation our our Austin, TX, office, Dr. C. Mike Meek and Dr. David J. Tasch will explain the potential benefits of sedation dentistry for multiple treatment appointments. To help you learn more about sedation, we offer this overview.
How Sedation Dentistry Helps When Undergoing Multiple Procedures
There are many factors that can make multiple treatments uncomfortable. First, there’s the length of time sitting still, which can last for well over an hour or longer. Then, there’s the potential discomfort of having your mouth open for hours while instruments are used to address dental problems or cosmetic issues. Finally, there’s the boredom that can result from extended periods of time sitting still.
Altered Perception of Time
Sedation dentistry is often recommended for multiple treatments because nitrous oxide and oral sedation can make those lengthy procedures seem to fly by. Beyond reducing anxiety, sedation alters patients’ perception of time. Many of our Austin patients who undergo procedures that require two or more hours report that treatments felt like they elapsed in a fraction of that time.
Stress-free Procedures
If you suffer from dental phobia or have a low pain threshold, sedation can relieve your worries and allow you to relax in a peaceful, euphoric state. If you are undergoing an invasive procedure, your doctor will first administer local anesthesia to numb your teeth and gums. Sedation places you in a dream-like state so you do not experience stress or anxiety during the procedure.
Types of Procedures that Benefit from Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry works well for visits that require multiple treatments. These comprehensive procedures could be for cosmetic or restorations purposes or both.
For Cosmetic Purposes
If you suffer from multiple cosmetic problems, one of our Austin doctors may recommend a smile makeover to transform the appearance of your smile. A smile makeover can combine porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, dental crowns, and dental implants to address aesthetic issues.
For Restorative Purposes
Full mouth reconstruction replaces missing teeth and fixes damaged teeth. The results can be life changing. Depending on your needs, full mouth reconstruction can include the use of fillings, dental crowns, bridges, root canal therapy, and dental implants.
Your Sedation Options
Depending on the length of your treatment and other factors, you can undergo sedation dentistry using nitrous oxide or oral sedation. Nitrous oxide is a safe gas mixture that is breathed through the nose. Your doctor will monitor the amount of gas that is administered. Nitrous oxide quickly places the patient in a relaxed state.
Oral sedation is administered via a prescription pill that can be picked up before your procedure. There are many oral sedation options that can deliver mild, moderate, or deep levels of sedation. Oral sedation can take several hours to fully wear off, so you will be required to have someone pick you up following your procedure.
Schedule Your Sedation Dentistry Treatment Today
Sedation dentistry can transform a lengthy and uncomfortable treatment into a seemingly quick and relaxing experience. If would like to learn more about the benefits of sedation dentistry, please contact our office online or call (512) 458-6222.