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What Does Sedation Dentistry Feel Like?

Have you ever heard of sedation dentistry? This type of dentistry is becoming more and more common as a direct response to individuals who need to be calm during dental procedures. If you’re nervous when you go to the dentist or you’ll be undergoing a procedure that may be more painful than some, sedation dentistry may be the right solution for you.

what does sedation dentistry feel like

Read through the article below to learn more about sedation dentistry, including what to expect when you choose this option. With the help of this information, you can better understand what sedation dentistry will feel like, and you can be more mentally prepared for the experience, too. Read on to find out more.

Different Levels of Sedation

Sedation dentistry isn’t just a one-trick pony. There are different levels of sedation that dentists use depending on the type of work they’ll be doing. Here’s a breakdown of the different levels of sedation:

Mild Sedation

Mild sedation involves being slightly sleepy or drowsy during the experience, but does not involve going all the way to sleep. You may feel comfortable and calm, but you should still be awake enough to answer questions and pay attention to what’s going on.

This type of sedation dentistry is the best choice for those who are only a little nervous about their procedures and who will not be undergoing anything very painful. It may be a possibility for some children, too.

Moderate Sedation

Moderate sedation is the next step up after mild sedation. In this type of sedation, you may feel calm and comfortable, and you may be very sleepy. You should be able to rouse and answer questions if your dentist needs to ask you something, but you may be too sleepy to pay attention to information or to drive yourself home afterward.

Some people doze off during moderate sedation, and if you do, this is normal. However, you should not take much time to wake up if the dentist needs to talk to you during the procedure.

Deep Sedation

Deep sedation involves putting the patient all the way to sleep. You should be completely asleep for this type of sedation, and it will take a while for you to wake up fully. You will be unable to answer questions, listen to information, or drive yourself home after your appointment.

This type of sedation is best for patients who are very scared of going to the dentist, to the point of anxiety attacks. It is also recommended for those who need to undergo dental surgery that may be very painful if done while the patient is awake.

Gas vs. IV Sedation

Gas sedation, which is also known as nitrous oxide or “laughing gas” sedation, is a common type used for mild sedation dentistry. It cuts down on pain and helps patients feel relaxed. IV sedation, on the other hand, is given through an IV that is placed when the patient arrives for the procedure.  It can make patients extremely sleepy and may cause some patients to fall asleep completely.

Both types of sedation may work for you. However, your dental team will let you know which method is right for your needs.

What Does a Sedation Dentistry Visit Entail?

When you arrive at your appointment, your dental technician will walk you through the process of dental sedation. You will be given the sedative that is right for your procedure, and you will need to wait a short time for it to start working. From there, you will feel calm and sleepy in just a few minutes.

Some people may become a bit “silly” or may giggle when given the type of sedatives used in sedation dentistry. Others may go right to sleep, and still others may stay awake but feel completely peaceful with no worries about the procedure. Your experience will vary depending on the type of sedation you’re given, the intensity of the sedation, and the type of procedure you’re undergoing.

Waking Up

It should not take more than a few minutes for you to wake up from moderate sedation, and if you have mild sedation, you should be awake throughout the whole procedure. If you are undergoing deep sedation, however, it could take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes for you to wake up fully.

When you wake up, you may start to regain some memories of the procedure. You will eventually regain feeling in your mouth, too, which may cause the pain to kick in. However, the pain will be much less after the procedure than during it.

Sedation Dentistry Is Safe, Simple and Effective

As you can see, there’s nothing to be worried about if your dentist has recommended sedation dentistry. This process is a simple and easy one, and as long as you are healthy enough to be a good candidate for sedation dentistry, there’s a good chance your dentist will agree to it for your next procedure.

If you have any concerns about upcoming dental work or you have a lot of fear and anxiety about going to the dentist, talk to your dentist about sedation dentistry.

At Creating Smiles, we’re here for all your dental care needs including sedation dentistry in St. John and Valparaiso, IN and the surrounding areas. Schedule your next visit online today!

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About Us

Creating Smiles, PC, located in St. John and Valparaiso, Indiana, offers everything you need for a healthy smile and a healthier life. Dr. Kapers and his team can take the anxiety and uncertainty out of dental visits with sedation dentistry, and we're the premier provider of dental implants in the region.