Sedation Dentistry
Platte City, MO
Good oral hygiene practices are essential for maintaining your oral health and preventing serious issues. Brushing and flossing are important daily habits that can help you to prevent complications like cavities and gum disease. Even if you brush and floss regularly, however, oral health issues can still arise. When issues occur, professional treatment is needed. If the thought of undergoing any type of dental treatment fills you with anxiety, though, you might do everything you can to avoid going. Avoiding dental care can have a detrimental impact on your oral health and your quality of life. Platte Valley Dental Care can help you to get the care you need with sedation dentistry.
The Effects of Ignoring Oral Health IssuesTreating oral health issues as soon as they are noticed is crucial. Most issues will not resolve on their own. Instead, they only tend to worsen the longer they go unaddressed. Getting timely, appropriate treatment restores the health of your mouth, preventing more serious consequences from occurring later. Without treatment, you could be faced with serious issues like gum recession, loose teeth, and even tooth loss. Your teeth may shift out of alignment, altering your bite and causing tooth damage, uneven tooth wear, and bruxism. In some cases, bacteria can even enter into your bloodstream, leading to issues such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes.
What Is Sedation?Sedation is a treatment that involves administering medication that relaxes you before undergoing dental care, helping you to feel more calm and comfortable. It is commonly used for patients who experience dental anxiety or have fears about undergoing dental treatment. Sedation can also be used in some other situations:| • |
Your pain threshold is low.
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You have very sensitive teeth.
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It is difficult for you to sit still for long periods of time.
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Your gag reflex is easily triggered.
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Your procedure will take several hours, or you need extensive dental work. |
Levels of SedationThere are a few different levels of sedation, allowing us to help you feel completely comfortable and provide you with the treatments you need:| • |
Minimal sedation. This is the lightest form of sedation. You are completely conscious, just relaxed.
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Moderate sedation. Moderate sedation is a form of conscious sedation. You are still awake but are sleepy and relaxed. Many patients experience temporary amnesia with moderate sedation and are unable to recall parts, or any, of their procedure.
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Deep sedation. With deep sedation, you are kept on the brink of consciousness. You may even fall asleep.
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General anesthesia. General anesthesia is a type of sedation that puts you to sleep during your procedure. |
Types of SedationThere are a few different types of sedation available. During your initial consultation, we will go over your options and help you to determine the best solution to meet your needs:| • |
Nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is a form of minimal sedation. It is a colorless, odorless gas that is administered through a small mask over your nose. The gas helps you to relax while raising your pain threshold and pain tolerance. The effects of nitrous oxide wear off very quickly.
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Oral conscious sedation. Oral conscious sedation is a type of moderate sedation that involves taking medication by mouth about an hour before your procedure. The medication takes about 30 minutes to take effect. The effects can linger several hours so that you will need a ride home after your procedure.
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IV sedation. IV sedation can be used for moderate sedation, deep sedation, and general anesthesia. The sedation is administered through a needle directly into your bloodstream. You will be provided with instructions to follow regarding food and drink before your appointment. Again, the effects of sedation can linger for several hours. |
If you are avoiding necessary dental care due to fear or anxiety, sedation dentistry can help. Call Platte Valley Dental Care today at (816)858-2027 to learn more. |
