Sedation Dentistry in Saukville
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Did you know…
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) was first used for dental sedation in the early 19th century.
How It Works: The Sedation Dentistry Process
Initial Consultation
First, you’ll meet with Dr. Cook or Dr. Schellhorns to discuss your health, medications you’re taking, and other necessary information, and to learn more about the sedation options that may be appropriate for your treatment.
Administering Sedation
Depending on the type of sedation you get, the details may differ. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is administered through a nose mask. Oral conscious (pill-based) sedation uses sedative pills that you’ll take before your appointment. Deep IV sedation uses a needle that sends sedative medication directly into your bloodstream.
Getting your treatment
Once your sedation takes effect, Dr. Cook or Dr. Schellhorns will begin your dental procedure. With sedation dentistry in Saukville, you can feel safe and comfortable during your treatment, and you may even sleep through it or forget what happens during your procedure.
Recovering at home
With laughing gas, you can drive yourself home, and you shouldn’t feel any significant after-effects. However, for oral conscious and IV sedation, you’ll need someone to bring you to and from our office. Dr. Cook or Dr. Schellhorns will provide you and your companion with a full set of instructions on how to recover from sedation, and from your dental procedure.
Types Of Sedation We Offer
Laughing Gas (Nitrous Oxide)
Laughing gas is the lightest form of dental sedation. Dr. Cook will place a mask over your nose, then send a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide through this mask. You’ll breathe in deeply, and the sedation will take effect right away. You will feel “floaty” and disconnected from what’s happening around you, and less anxious. However, you will remain completely conscious and responsive to commands.
Once your procedure is done, Dr. Cook or Dr. Schellhorns will send pure oxygen through the nose mask to help clear out any remaining nitrous oxide. You’ll feel normal within a few minutes and can drive yourself home, though you may have some minor side effects like nausea or a headache.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation uses pills that you take before your appointment. The timing may vary depending on the medication being used. Once your sedation takes effect, you will feel groggy and tired. You may fall asleep during your appointment, or forget most of what happens at Sauk Trail Dental. This makes oral conscious sedation a great option if you have dental anxiety, or just want to stay more comfortable during a long dental procedure.
IV Sedation
IV sedation uses the same drugs as oral conscious sedation, but they are sent directly into your bloodstream using a needle. This means they have much deeper effects. You will fall asleep and forget your procedure. However, you will not be completely unconscious. Like oral conscious sedation, IV sedation has side effects that can linger for up to 24 hours, so you cannot drive yourself home, and you should take a day or two off of work after treatment.
Have Questions About Sedation Dentistry? Find Answers Here.
What Type Of Sedation Is Right For Me?
That depends on your level of anxiety, your budget, the dental treatment you’re getting, your health, and a variety of other factors. If you’re interested in sedation dentistry in Saukville, WI, we offer 100% free sedation consultations at Sauk Trail Dental. Together, you and Dr. Cook or Dr. Schellhorns can choose the type of sedation that’s right for you, and ensure you get the dental care you need with less pain, discomfort, and anxiety. We offer 100% free sedation consultations
Do You Feel Pain During Sedation Dentistry?
No, you won’t feel pain during sedation dentistry because sedation techniques are used together with an anesthetic, which numbs the nerves. Moreover, sedatives dampen the nerves, enhancing the effectiveness of the anesthetic. While the local anesthetic numbs the treatment area, the sedatives keep you calm and relaxed throughout the dental procedure.
It’s worth noting that the likelihood of feeling pain during sedation dentistry depends on the sedation technique. Mild sedation, like laughing gas sedation, puts patients at a greater risk of pain and is only recommended for minimally invasive dental procedures. Patients who undergo general sedation won’t experience pain since they’ll be completely unconscious during the procedure.
That said, patients with pain hypersensitivity might require larger doses of sedation and anesthetic to keep the pain at bay. Inform your dentist immediately if you feel pain during sedation or after anesthesia.
Is Sedation a Good Choice for Me?
If you want a seamless and painless procedure, sedation is definitely a good choice for you. Apart from ensuring a smooth procedure, sedation also helps keep you relaxed throughout the procedure. This calming effect is especially useful for patients with chronic dental phobia and anxiety.
Sedation dentistry is also extremely beneficial for patients with pain sensitivity. Sedation dampens the pain signals from the nerves to your brain, especially when used with anesthesia. It’s also a good choice if you’re afraid of needles or if you have difficulty controlling your movements. Additionally, sedation dentistry is an excellent choice for you if you are undergoing a long and complicated surgery.
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
All forms of sedation dentistry are generally safe, provided they’re handled by a licensed dentist or anesthesiologist. Sedation dentistry creates a calming effect, making you feel at ease during dental procedures. Sedatives work differently, but none have a harmful or long-lasting effect on the body.
Laughing gas sedation, for instance, works by displacing the oxygen in your lungs, making you feel tingly and light-headed. Oral conscious sedation utilizes medication like benzodiazepines, which trigger the release of a neurotransmitter that makes your nervous system less active, making you feel relaxed.
However, it’s worth noting that sedation dentistry may not be suitable for expectant women or patients with neurological disorders. The same goes for patients with certain lifestyle diseases like diabetes or those that are under certain medications. The dentist will review your medical records before determining the suitability of sedation dentistry for your treatment.
What Does Sedation Dentistry Feel Like?
Experiences while under sedation dentistry depend on the sedation technique. However, patients generally feel calm and relaxed. Patients under laughing gas sedation will feel relaxed, with tingling in their extremities. They might also feel giggly and some patients experience mild hallucinations. Oral conscious and IV sedation, on the other hand, make patients feel drowsy and sleepy. Despite the sleepiness, you’ll stay awake during the procedure and respond to commands. The effects take about 24 hours to wear off completely.
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