If you experience fear or anxiety at the thought of visiting the dentist, then sedation may be necessary for you to receive the dental care you need. But even if you are fairly confident about your visits, you might still benefit from asking your dentist about sedation if you’re faced with complex or extensive dental treatment. Besides relieving anxiety, sedation dentistry can also make your treatment more time-efficient, reducing how long you spend in the dentist’s chair and the time you must take out of your schedule for dental health reasons.
When Sedation is Appropriate
The need or desire for sedation from patient to patient, and given the range of sedatives and doses, it may be appropriate for a wide variety of treatments. The most common, however, are reconstructive procedures such as large fillings, root canal therapy, and dental implant placement, among many others. If you want a more comfortable and relaxed experience, then speak with your dentist about the possibility of using sedation during your procedure.
You Have Options
Dental sedation comes in a variety of forms, the most common of which is nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas). Nitrous oxide is a gas that you inhale through your nose and exhale out of your mouth. Your dentist will fit a comfortable mask over your nose, and within moments, you’ll begin to feel a slightly euphoric, heightened sense of relaxation.
For more potent effects, your dentist might recommend oral sedation, which is a pill or liquid medication that you take before your scheduled procedure. Under oral sedation, you will still remain conscious, but your level of calm and relaxation will be more pronounced than with nitrous oxide.
About Your Birmingham, MI, Dentist
Dr. Mitchell Milan is a cosmetic, implant, and restorative dentist whose goal is to enhance your smile and improve your dental health. Celebrating over 25 years in practice and serving the Birmingham community, Dr. Milan and his experienced staff offer porcelain veneers, bridges, crowns, bonding, root canals, gum disease treatment, and more. Take your first step toward smile improvement today by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Milan by calling our office in Birmingham, MI at (248) 644-2136.