If you want to go for a dental procedure at your dentist in Fairfax, chances are you’ll be under some form of sedation. Your dentist will do a pre-procedure consultation about the sedative and take your medical history, including past reactions to any medication. If using sedation meds is a viable option, you can be given anesthesia.
What Procedures Require Sedation?
Some dental procedures require sedation, but it’s more of a personal preference in others. For example, if you have low pain tolerance, you can opt for sedation in procedures such as a root canal.
Common procedures a dentist in Fairfax will always use sedation for include wisdom tooth removal, jaw surgery, emergency treatment, and dental implants.
What Sedatives Do Dentists Typically Use?
Dental clinics such as Cascades Dental of Centreville use different sedation medications, but there are three that are most common.
• Laughing gas or nitrous oxide, which is an inhalant. You remain conscious but relaxed.
• Oral sedation, where you take a prescribed sedative. It’s stronger than laughing gas, though you still remain conscious.
• IV sedation is general anesthesia that renders you unconscious. It’s an option for people who are either in emergency surgeries or have panic attacks and severe fright of dental procedures.
Post-Sedation Care
As dentists always suggest sedation after a thorough consultation where they look at your full history, you don’t have to worry much about post-sedation care. You’ll likely recover in a couple of minutes and be awake enough to drive home. In some instances, you might feel drowsy, and it’s best to have a family member or friend pick you up.
Side effects of sedation are uncommon, but they may include mouth dryness and nausea. If you feel nauseous or dizzy, be sure to drink fluids and rest well.
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