Visiting a dentist in Guilford, Connecticut is not as intimidating as you think. There are a lot of people, especially children that are terrified to go to the dentist. This may be due to the use of drills, needles, and perhaps the pain that may go along with some procedures. However, children may have a hard time sitting still while they’re just being examined. Thankfully, your Guilford dentist has a solution. It’s called sedation dentistry. The Friedler Dental Group, your dentist in the 06437 area presents the following facts about this kind of dentistry:

Fact: There Are Different Levels Of Sedation Dentistry Available

There are actually four levels of sedation dentistry available. Each of them serve a specified purpose. They are as follows:

• Minimal Sedation: With this level, you will still be aware of your surroundings and what is going on around you. What will happen is that you will be equipped with a mask that deploys nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide is a gas that will help you relax and become more comfortable for the procedure ahead. This will not affect any of your normal bodily functions. The gas will quickly wear off and you will safely drive yourself home after the appointment.
• Moderate Sedation: This is a drug-induced form of sedation that will cause a depression in consciousness. This form of sedation will be administered by way of IV. The patient will respond to verbal commands, but will likely not remember details of the procedure.
• Deep Sedation: This is a form of sedation in which consciousness will be more depressed compared to moderate sedation. Your airway and breathing may be impaired. You may need assistance in keeping an airway open that will ensure that you remain breathing. This is more common in an oral surgery office as opposed to a dentist’s office.
• General Anesthesia: Most commonly used in a medical setting. This will result in a loss of consciousness. You will not be aroused, even by painful stimulation. Because your airway and breathing will be prepared, you will need assistance in keeping an airway open.

Fact: Sedation Dentistry Has Been Around For Years

How far back does sedation dentistry go? Try the year 1792. That was twenty years after nitrous oxide was initially discovered. It wasn’t until this year in particular when it was used in dentistry. Even when modern dental technology didn’t exist then, sedation dentistry sure did.

Fact: Sedation Dentistry Is Useful for More Than Just Anxiety about the Dentist

If you think sedation dentistry is used for just anxiety, think again. Sedation dentistry has its other purposes for patients. For example, adults who have a low threshold of pain may benefit from sedation dentistry. Also, if a patient needs a large amount of dental work that can be done in one sitting, then sedation dentistry will also be used.

Fact: Sedation Dentistry Is Safe

For the most part, sedation dentistry is safe. A dental office will typically utilize the minimal levels of sedation with nitrous oxide. In children, dentists will administer an amount of nitrous oxide that is dependant upon the child’s age and weight.

Is Sedation Dentistry Right For You?

Are you anxious about dental visits? Do you need a lot of dental work? If the answer is yes, then sedation dentistry will most likely be right for you. If you need to set an appointment with a dentist near you, contact them today. Ask if they administer sedation dentistry if you’re in a situation that may require it.