Yes, sedation dentistry in Universal City is effective in relaxing and reducing phobia and anxiety. Dental sedation is also safe, but you may experience mild dental side effects after the procedure depending on the type and level of sedation used. Before you can visit a dentist’s office near you for a procedure, it is important to know what sedation dentistry is and how it works.

Why is Sedation Dentistry Used?

Dental sedation uses sedatives to relax and release anxiety and phobia during a procedure. However, anxiety is not the only reason why you may need a sedation dentist near you, other reasons include:

• Severe gag reflex. The gag reflex is a natural occurrence that prevents you from swallowing a foreign object. However, if you have a severe one, the dentist may recommend dental sedation to help relax the muscles and make it easy for the dentist to perform any procedure.
• Low threshold of pain and tooth sensitivity
• Complex dental procedures. Our dentist in Universal City may also use dental sedation with local anesthesia if you need a complex procedure like oral surgery.

What Are the Dental Sedation Options Available?

Sedation dentistry comes in different categories from mild to deep sedation. Although it is referred to as sleep dentistry, it does not cause you to sleep. The dentist will choose the appropriate option based on the type of procedure needed. The dental options include:

• Inhaled gas

Laughing gas is the commonly used sedation as it’s mild. The dentist will administer the sedation via a nose mask a couple of minutes before the procedure. Inhaled gas is also used on kids because it takes effect quickly and clears out just as fast, and it has little to no side effects. However, because of its mild nature, laughing gas is often reserved for mild to moderate dental procedures.

• Pill or oral sedation

Pill sedation is administered orally and is often given a couple of hours before dental treatment. This is because it takes time for the pill to metabolize and take effect. It is stronger than the inhaled gas, but it does not allow for dosage adjustment. The sedation does not cause you to get unconscious, but you may drift to sleep and get woken up with a gentle shake.

• IV sedation

Intravenous sedation is given via the veins directly to the bloodstream, which permits the dentist to adjust the dosage. That is why it is often used for complex procedures like extraction. It also does not cause you to sleep, but often you will not be able to remember the procedure.

• Deep sedation

Sleep or deep sedation is the strongest version because it causes unconsciousness. Deep sedation is used for procedures like oral surgery. Because of its strong nature, its effects will not wear out faster and often the dentist will use medication to lower its effects.

While all dentists can administer oral and inhaled sedation, one needs a license for the IV and deep sedation. It is, therefore, important to check with your dentist about the licensing.

What Can You Expect After the Dental Sedation?

As the sedation wears out, you will experience grogginess, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and dizziness. The dentist will take the necessary precautions to lower the severity of these problems, Often, after the dental procedure, the dentist will keep you for an hour to check for these side effects. He may also prescribe medications to lower these effects.

What Can You Do After the Procedure?

Dental sedation wears out differently depending on the type and dosage used. But, regardless of the type, it is not advisable to drive or resume your daily activities. Rest after the procedure, watch what you eat after the procedure, and follow the dentist’s instructions to reduce the effects of the sedation. Also, move slowly and drink plenty of fluids to rehydrate, and avoid dairy products.

Schedule an Appointment

Visit Universal Dental for more information about dental sedation, how it works and what you can expect during and after the procedure.

‍