Sedation Dentistry in Phoenix, AZ
If you have a difficult time relaxing or feeling comfortable during dental procedures, sedation dentistry might be able to help. Dr. Trujillo offers sedation dentistry so you can relax through your full treatment, and in one visit, too!
Sedation dentistry, also referred to as sleep dentistry or relaxation dentistry, refers to a variety of ways a dentist can help you manage discomfort and anxiety during a dental appointment. At your initial consultation or exam, Dr. Trujillo will talk with you about your personal preferences and any concerns you may have to determine if it is right for you. Since sedation isn’t right for every patient, he will also evaluate your medical history and any conditions you may have to pair you with the proper form of treatment.
Dr. Trujillo Offers Three Types of Sedation
1. IV Conscious Sedation
For patients who need an even deeper level of sedation, we offer IV conscious sedation. This method is used by dentists and periodontists with specialized training and certifications, and it should be noted that not all dentists are qualified to administer this type of anesthesia. During IV sedation, the flow of medication is carefully controlled to bring the patient to the desired level of sedation.
Because sedation medication is delivered directly to the bloodstream, it is more effective than medications taken orally and has a much more profound effect on the body. It also requires that patients have a ride to and from their procedure.
IV conscious sedation has many benefits for dental procedures. These are some of the most common:
- Reduced pain: When you have IV sedation, you’re less aware of what’s happening around you, although you are still conscious. As a result, you’ll feel little to no pain during even the most extensive dental work. IV conscious sedation is well-suited for deep dental cleanings, gum grafting, and more.
- More control: Oral anxiety medications don’t take effect right away. Even when they work quickly, it’s difficult to anticipate their effects. Some patients have health conditions that affect how they respond to medication. Age and body weight also affect how you respond to oral anti-anxiety drugs. Once a pill goes into effect, it’s difficult to adjust the dosage based on these factors. In contrast, IV sedation can be adjusted as needed.
- Less stress: According to the Journal of Dental Hygiene, up to 80% of U.S. adults have some form of dental anxiety. This anxiety prevents many people from getting preventive care and addressing serious dental issues. IV conscious sedation reduces stress and makes dental procedures more tolerable. As a result, this type of sedation is better for people with health conditions. Too much stress increases blood pressure, which can be dangerous. IV conscious sedation makes it easier to relax during dental procedures.
- Better tolerance: Without sedation, some people can’t tolerate long dental procedures. They have to break complex procedures into multiple appointments, which can be inconvenient. IV conscious sedation makes it easier to tolerate dental work, allowing your dentist to do complex procedures in one visit. You may even be able to have multiple procedures at the same time.
2. Inhalation Conscious Sedation (Laughing Gas)
Nitrous oxide, also referred to as laughing gas, often works well for patients who require a minimal level of sedation. During laughing gas administration, patients will wear a small nose mask that delivers a steady stream of nitrous oxide gas mixed with oxygen. After nitrous oxide is inhaled, it creates a mild numbing feeling.
Patients typically report feeling warm, relaxed, giggly, or sleepy when being administered nitrous oxide. One of the best things about nitrous oxide treatment is that it works quickly, reaching the brain within about 20 seconds after treatment begins, and dissipates quickly, within about 3-5 minutes after treatment stops. This means that patients can drive home without worrying about being under the influence of lingering medications. However, because nitrous oxide treatment is so gentle, it is not the best solution for patients with extreme dental phobias or anxiety.
3. Enteral Conscious Sedation (Orally Administered Sedation)
Enteral conscious sedation, also called orally administered sedation, involves patients taking a single prescribed pill. The medications administered are typically benzodiazepines, a group of drugs that offer a sedative and amnesic effect for patients.
Patients who undergo orally administered sedation will be able to breathe on their own and typically remain conscious for their procedure. However, since medications affect every person a little differently, the level of sedation is unpredictable and can’t be changed easily. Oral sedation also isn’t right for people who have difficulty swallowing pills, or who have a history of allergies to benzodiazepines. Patients must be driven to and from their dental appointments.
Talk With Dr. Trujillo About Sedation Dentistry
If you think that sedation dentistry sounds like it might be right for you, mention it to Dr. Trujillo at your next visit. Dental anxiety is an extremely common complaint, and with the power of sedation dentistry, your next procedure might be much more comfortable.