Reading Dental Associates Blogs

What is Sedation Dentistry? Sedation dentistry goes by several names – conscious sedation, sleep dentistry, relaxation dentistry or oral sedation – but the effect is the same. Your pain and anxiety are kept under control as you remain just below the level of consciousness during your dental procedure. Because you are thoroughly relaxed and comfortable, the doctor can perform procedures that might ordinarily take years to complete in only one...

Sedation dentistry — you know it can help you receive the dental care you need comfortably, but beyond that you may have some questions. The sleep dentists have put together an FAQ to help. Keep reading to learn more from your sedation dentist!Who does sedation dentistry help? Sedation dentistry has a number of useful applications. Primarily, it helps patients with mild to severe fear related to the dentist receive the relaxing care they need....

Most of the drugs used in sedation dentistry are classified as benzodiazepines.  Benzodiazepines reduce anxiety, muscle spasms, insomnia and seizures.  Each medication has a different half-life, meaning that the effects last for varying amounts of time.  The estimated length of the procedure determines which type of drug is going to be most effective.Here are some of the most common drugs used in oral conscious sedation:Valium®...

While people often joke about being afraid of the dentist, for many individuals, dental anxiety is nothing to laugh about. The effects of dental phobias range from feeling mildly nervous to getting sweaty palms and a racing heartbeat upon entering the dental office. This anxiety can be so severe that it prevents people from seeing a dentist for years. Delaying dental procedures can result in costly problems for the future.If you have dental...

Did you know that fear and anxiety plague around 40 million Americans when it comes to their dental appointments? If the thought of going to the dentist ties your stomach into knots, you’re not alone! Here we specialize in helping patients relax and essentially “sleep” through their dental procedures. Read on to determine if you’re a candidate for sedation dentistry.What is Sedation Dentistry?Sedation dentistry utilizes a number of...

Those who struggle with visits to the dentist due to high anxiety or stress have found that sedation dentistry is a great solution for them. This approach allows patients to be much more comfortable and relaxed during their time in the dentist chair while allowing the dentist to engage in a more effective treatment. Sedatives are delivered to the patient through a variety of ways, including by mouth, under the tongue, inhaled through the nose or...

Did you know that nitrous oxide has been used in dental procedures for 100 years? It’s an extremely safe way to make sure your child is comfortable during otherwise uncomfortable dental procedures such as fillings, crowns, and extractions. Nitrous oxide is a mild sedative that can be easily controlled, does not affect heart rate, and has no ill effects on the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, or brain. Nitrous oxide has no odor and, used in...

Your dentist may prescribe medication for you to take at home an hour before your appointment to manage anxiety and relax you. You’ll almost certainly want to bring a companion with you on the trip to and from the dentist’s office. You may be convinced that you can get there on your own, but you’re probably wrong. Get someone to drive or escort you.Once you are at the dentist’s office you may receive more sedation, either orally (liquid...