3 Common Myths About Sedation Dentistry – Debunked!

Sedation dentistry is a fantastic tool for both dentists and patients. Sedation allows patients who have dental anxiety, or who are nervous about an upcoming dental surgery, to relax in the dentist’s chair, and have a more stress-free experience.

However, there is a lot of misinformation out there about sedation dentistry. The team at Life Dentistry in Lafayette wants to make sure our patients have all the facts when it comes to sedation dentistry:

  1. You Can Only Be Sedated If You Have Dental Anxiety – False!

While sedation dentistry is almost always recommended for patients who have severe dental anxiety, there are many other circumstances where it’s recommended, such as:

  • If you have a very strong gag reflex
  • If you are afraid of numbing needles
  • If you are restless and have a hard time sitting still for a long period of time
  • If you are having multiple procedures or a complex surgery performed, like a dental implant

As a rule, if you want to be sedated during dentistry, you always have the option! Just discuss it with Dr. Martin at Life Dentistry before your next appointment.

  1. Most Dentists Offer Only One Type Of Sedation – False!

Most dentists offer two types of sedation:

  • Minimal inhaled sedation (Nitrous Oxide or “laughing gas”) – This method of sedation uses Nitrous Oxide (NO2) to create a feeling of giddiness and euphoria, without affecting your motor skills. Nitrous oxide helps you relax, but it wears off quickly, and does not have a significant sedative effect.
  • Oral sedation – Oral sedation uses prescription pills, usually benzodiazepines, to put you in a relaxed, sedated state. You may forget parts of the procedure, and may even fall asleep!

Some other dentists also offer IV sedation, sometimes called “deep sedation”. This uses the same drugs as oral sedation, but they are delivered through the veins, and the amount of medicine can be controlled more effectively, to achieve different sedative results.

  1. You Can’t Drive After Being Sedated At The Dentist – Partially True!

This depends on the type of sedation you choose. One of the reasons that laughing gas is a popular sedation method is that it wears off in about 5 minutes, so you can drive to and from your appointment.

However, if you opt for oral sedation or IV sedation, you won’t be able to drive yourself home since these sedatives significantly impair your motor skills and judgment. In this case, you’ll need a friend or family member to take you to and from the dentist.

Interested In Sedation Dentistry? Get An Appointment Today!

Whether you are suffering from dental anxiety or you’re simply worried about an upcoming procedure like a tooth extraction or filling, you can find comfort with sedation dentistry from Life Dentistry.

Dr. Martin is an experienced sedation dentist, and he can help you get the treatment you need in a safe and comfortable environment. Learn more about what we do from our patient testimonials now. Contact us at (970) 289-5433 to schedule your appointment, or come to our office near Louisville at 110 Old Laramie Trail, Unit 100, Lafayette, CO 80026.