Sedation Dentist New Jersey: Safe and Painless Dental Procedures

The problem with some people who experience dental issues is they consider visiting a dentist only at the moment when extreme measures are already needed. Although anxiety toward dental procedures is common among people of various ages, it is still not a good reason to avoid immediate treatment. If you are extremely afraid of undergoing a dental procedure, you can go to a trusted sedation dentist NJ has, like Dr. Sam Romano, for a hassle-free dental visit.

The sedation process

Sedation dentistry involves administering sedatives to a patient before a dental procedure. The process induces a relaxed feeling in the patient, allowing the dentist to safely and successfully perform the procedure. The type of drugs used and the manner of administration depend on the patient’s condition and the kind of operation required. For instance, some invasive procedures for treating chronic dental diseases or repairing broken or dislocated restorative devices may require sedation so the patient can be relaxed throughout the procedure.

Sedation Techniques

A sedation dentist New Jersey patients trust can administer the sedatives in three ways: inhalation, ingestion, and injection. The patient may be asked to inhale nitrous oxide or laughing gas. Like sedatives taken orally (ingestion) or intravenously (injection), laughing gas is potent enough to relax the body and reduce pain. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, nitrous oxide is the safest sedative in dentistry. However, sedatives administered orally and intravenously produce better results.

Degrees of Sedation

Sedation techniques can be categorized according to the degree of their effect: anxiolysis, conscious sedation, deep sedation, and unconscious sedation. Anxiolysis, the mildest, normally involves the use of nitrous oxide, while other modalities of sedation involve intravenous administration. In conscious sedation, the patient remains awake, independently breathing, and capable of responding to verbal stimulation. On the other hand, deep sedation and unconscious sedation render the patient unconscious. These two are commonly employed for invasive dental procedures.

Fear of Needles

A common challenge faced by some sedation dentists is the patient’s fear of needles, a phobia called trypanophobia. Patients who are trypanophobic are not immediately injected with the sedative. Instead, numbing cream is applied on the target area. The dentist can then proceed to administering the sedatives intravenously.

Post-sedation care

A patient who will undergo a dental procedure that involves sedation, such as installation or replacement of NJ dental implants, must be accompanied by an adult. The effects of the sedative may last for an hour or two and the patient might remain incapable of driving or even walking within that period. He needs assistance until the effects of sedation have completely receded.