Dental anxiety is very common, affecting an estimated 73% of Americans. If you feel moderate to severe anxiety or fear when it comes to going to the dentist, you are definitely not alone.
The good news is that modern dentistry is changing the way people feel about dental care. Through advancements in dental tools and techniques, as well as availability of sedation options, dental treatment can be delivered in a less intimidating and more comfortable way.
Is sedation right for you? Learn how it is used in endodontics to improve the patient experience.
Understanding Dental Anxiety and Why It Matters
There are a variety of causes for dental anxiety. Many people can trace their feelings back to a specific incident, often during childhood, where they were extremely uncomfortable during a dental appointment. Others have extreme sensitivity to sounds and sensations involved in dental cleanings and procedures.
Dental anxiety can be severe enough to prevent patients from getting necessary dental care. But avoiding preventive and early restorative treatment only leads to the need for more complex treatment. Oral health issues such as tooth decay and gum disease don’t clear up on their own. Professional treatment is essential.
Why Sedation Is Commonly Used in Endodontic Treatment
Endodontics is a specialized field of dentistry that focuses on the dental pulp, the soft tissue inside of your teeth. Procedures such as root canals therapy treat and prevent infection of the pulp, preserving or restoring the health of teeth that are at risk.
Through the use of sedation patients are able to relax and feel more comfortable when receiving care. Fewer appointments are needed because sedation makes it easier to tolerate longer stretches in the dental chair.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
The most common type of sedation used in dentistry is nitrous oxide. A mask is placed over your nose that delivers a specific combination of gases (primarily nitrogen and oxygen). As you breathe in through your nose you begin to feel relaxed and calm, often with a heavy feeling in your limbs and a tingling sensation in your fingers and toes.
Benefits of Nitrous Oxide Sedation
- Fast acting. It only takes a few minutes for nitrous oxide to take effect and wear off after your procedure.
- Minimal side effects. Most patients experience no side effects of nitrous oxide. Those that do may have mild nausea, headache, dizziness, or confusion.
- Safe. Nitrous oxide is one of the safest sedation options for patients of all ages because it leaves your system quickly once the mask is removed.
- Effective. Patients experience reduced anxiety with the use of nitrous oxide, both immediately and going forward.
Local Anesthesia vs Sedation Dentistry
Most dental procedures are performed using local anesthesia. This refers to numbing agents injected directly into the tissues in the affected location. While local anesthesia prevents you from feeling any pain during the procedure, the administration of the anesthesia by needle is often uncomfortable and a source of anxiety for some patients. Nitrous oxide sedation is administered by mask, minimizing the awareness and discomfort associated with local anesthesia.
Safety and Comfort Considerations for Sedation Dentistry
Before the use of sedation, a thorough patient screening will be conducted. Your dentist will gather a complete medical history and list of your current medications to ensure there are no health risks that would make sedation unsafe for you. Your vitals will be carefully monitored during the procedure.
Your Next Step Toward Comfortable, Stress Free Dental Care
Sedation dentistry removes fear from endodontic treatment, allowing anxious patients to get the care they need. Contact Eagle Endodontics to discuss sedation options and schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sedation Dentistry for Endodontic Care
Is sedation dentistry safe for most patients?
Sedation dentistry is safe for most patients when administered by trained professionals. Your dentist will tailor sedation to your personal health history and oral health needs.
Will I be asleep during sedation for a root canal?
Nitrous oxide provides conscious sedation, meaning you will be awake but relaxed and somewhat less aware of your surroundings. You will not feel as if you are asleep as you may with deeper levels of sedation.
Eagle Endodontics believes that all patients deserve dental care without fear. We offer sedation to make your experience as comfortable and relaxing as possible, reducing or eliminating the stress associated with dental procedures. Our specialized endodontic services are designed to preserve your natural teeth for a lifetime of oral health. Contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.