Help with Anxiety Through Conscious Oral Sedation in Raleigh, North Carolina
Don’t let your fear of the dentist stand between you and your health. Raleigh Dental Loft in Raleigh, NC offers oral conscious sedation to keep you relaxed and comfortable while providing quality dental care. Call us today at (919) 859-4500 to set up your consultation.
Far too many people ignore the signs of necessary dental treatments because of anxiety. Your oral health affects much more than the appearance of your smile; it impacts the proper functioning of your mouth as well as your physical health. Poor dental health compromises the whole body because any bacteria or inflammation that starts in the mouth will spread to other parts of the body, including the heart, lungs, brain, and bloodstream.
Fortunately, Raleigh Dental Loft has a solution. We offer conscious oral sedation solutions to people who suffer from Dental Phobia, making it possible for them to receive the dental care they need.
What Is Conscious Sedation?
Conscious sedation dentistry refers to the dispensation of sedatives before a dental procedure to aid in relaxation. Although conscious sedation is sometimes referred to as sleep dentistry, most patients remain awake, responsive, and relaxed during treatment.
Types of Conscious Sedation
There are different types of sedation dentistry that address varying degrees of anxiety. Most methods of dental conscious sedation are categorized as “light” or “moderate.”
Light Sedation —You are relaxed but remain conscious and alert.
Moderate Sedation — You are conscious during the procedure, but you may feel groggy and slur your words. Some patients don’t remember much about the procedure afterward; others may fall asleep but wake up readily.
Deep Sedation —Technically, deep sedation is not considered conscious sedation. Most patients under deep sedation are completely unconscious during treatment and will not wake up until the effects of the drug subside. The effects of deep sedation require a longer recovery period.
How Does Oral Conscious Sedation Work?
At Raleigh Dental Loft, we provide several options in conscious sedation Dentistry, based on the level of anxiety present. Our options for conscious sedation include:
Inhalation Sedation — Sometimes called laughing gas, Nitrous Oxide is a form of light sedation. Your dentist administers the nitrous oxide by positioning a mask over your nose. As you inhale the gas, you experience a sense of euphoria and little to no pain. The effects of Nitrous Oxide wear off quickly, and there is minimal need for recovery time.
Oral Sedation — Oral sedation is considered moderate sedation. It is usually administered as a pill, taken one hour before treatment. You remain conscious and responsive, but there is a longer recovery time, and you will not be permitted to drive home after your appointment.
IV Sedation — IV sedation is also considered moderate sedation, requiring a longer recovery period. The effects of IV sedation take hold very quickly.
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
Conscious sedation is regarded as safe when administered by licensed, trained professionals. However, there are risks associated with any medication. Be sure to disclose your complete medical history and list of current medications to avoid complications.
How Is Conscious Sedation Different from General Anesthesia?
General anesthesia is a type of deep sedation, not considered a form of conscious sedation. General anesthesia can only be administered by an oral surgeon, maxillofacial surgeon, or anesthesiologist. Furthermore, there are inherent health risks associated with general anesthesia that are not an issue with conscious sedation dentistry.
There are exceptions to this, however. General anesthesia may be an option for those who:
- did not benefit from conscious sedation
- require an extensive course of dental treatment
- are mentally or emotionally unable to comprehend their circumstances or the need for dental care.
Contact Raleigh Dental Loft in Raleigh, NC
Don’t let a fear of the dentist prevent you from getting the dental care you need. If you suffer from Dental Phobia, you are not alone. Our team at Raleigh Dental Loft has helped countless patients with dental anxiety get the help they need. We look forward to helping you, too.
Contact the compassionate team at Raleigh Dental Loft in Raleigh, NC to discuss options for conscious sedation. Call Raleigh Dental Loft today at (919) 859-4500 to set up a consultation.