Studies show that up to 15 percent of people within the United States skip their dental appointments due to dental phobia or fear. If you get anxious or nervous about heading to your Indianapolis dentist, you’re definitely not alone.
Your oral health is extremely important, so even if you experience anxiety over dental visits, it’s important to make sure you still see the dentist for preventive care, as well as any treatments you need to keep your teeth and mouth healthy and happy.
The great news is that you can opt for sedation dentistry, which will aid in overcoming your fears during dental visits, and is offered by Clarity Dentistry in Indianapolis. If you’re not familiar with sedation dentistry, there are a few of the options available to you.
Below, we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions about sedation for dental procedures.
If you want to make sure you don’t remember anything about your dental treatment, you may be interested in being “put to sleep” also known as unconscious sedation for your procedure(s). This option is definitely possible, but it’s critically important to address this request with your dentist well before the actual appointment date. IV Sedation, which provides complete unconsciousness, is usually reserved for patients requiring a lot of oral surgery in a single dental visit. In addition, it can be a substantial out-of-pocket investment that your insurance company may not cover on your behalf.
However, your Indianapolis dentist may be able to offer you other forms of dental sedation to mitigate your anxiety, so that you can get the dental treatment you need. These options put you in a very relaxed, cloud-like state, where you’re between consciousness and unconsciousness during your dental appointment. While on conscious sedation, many patients experience short-term amnesia and do not remember being in the dental chair at all. Often times while on conscious sedation, patients do not remember their visits, and are totally relaxed and carefree.
At Clarity Dentistry, we offer different forms of sedation, so be sure to talk to us about those options and we’ll be happy to help you choose an option that fits your needs.
One of the main reasons patients avoid going to the dentist is the perceived pain often associated with dental procedures and numbing injections. If you choose sedation dentistry, absolute, 100%, the discomfort you experience during your dental appointment is often greatly diminished and much more manageable.
It is our goal to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible during treatment, so no matter the type of sedation you choose, we’ll also administer local anesthetics to keep your mouth numb throughout the procedure.
The side effects of sedation vary depending on the type of sedation used by your Indianapolis dentist. With oral conscious sedation, side effects are typically very minimal, if any. Temporary loss of memory, concentration, and coordination may occur in some patients. Less common side effects may include nausea and loss of appetite, but again, that is quite rare for most people.
If inhaled sedation is used, you may also experience some very slight nausea, which usually wears off in a matter of minutes. With IV sedation, side effects may include feeling a little groggy for a short time after your treatment.
Can you safely drive home after being sedated for a dental procedure? This answer depends on the method of sedation that was used for your treatment. If you were given nitrous oxide, an inhaled form of sedation, you typically will be able to drive yourself home shortly after your appointment. However, with oral and IV sedation, you’ll need to have someone drive you home, as these medicines can impair your driving ability or coordination for up to 12-24 hours.
In most cases, after a good night of rest, patients are fine to drive themselves the next day. Although, patients are advised not to drive until they feel completely back to normal.
At Clarity Dentistry, we understand that many patients have anxiety and fear when it comes to visiting the dentist. We’re happy to provide sedation options to ensure our patients get the care they need, comfortably. Our dentist is experienced and highly trained in using sedation, so you can rest assured that you are safe and in good hands when undergoing sedation in our office.
To learn more about the sedation dentistry options we provide and to discover if you’re a good candidate for sedation, contact our Indianapolis location today for more information.
