A significant number of people do not have regular dental checkups. Not because they don’t care about their teeth and gums, but because they suffer from dental anxiety. That is why relaxation dentistry exists, giving people who suffer from anxiety the opportunity to receive oral health care.
Chicago relaxation dentistry uses a mild sedative to relax patients during the procedure. The three most common forms of relaxation dentistry are minimal, moderate, and deep sedation. Patients remain awake during the procedure but are extremely relaxed. The three common types of sedation are inhaled gas, oral medication and IV sedation.
Under minimal sedation you are fully awake but relaxed, with moderate sedation you are awake but you will remember little of what happened, and with deep sedation you will be right on the edge of consciousness but you can be woken once the procedure is completed. Dr. Tomaselli of Chicago Smile Design is known for providing gentle and relaxing minimal sedation dentistry. He helps anxious patients receive the dental care they need in a comfortable setting.
Relaxation dentistry is a safe and easy way to get the dental care you need even if you are anxious about visiting the dentist.
The types of Chicago relaxation dentistry:
Via inhalation: The dentist will administer nitrous oxide, perhaps better known as “laughing gas.” This gas is mixed with oxygen and delivered through a mask. As you inhale the gas, you become relaxed. The dentist exercises full control and can vary the amount of gas delivered as needed. Once the dental procedure has been completed and the gas shut off, the effects wear off very quickly.
Via oral sedation: Depending on the dosage, oral sedatives can be used for minimal or moderate sedation. The sedative is in pill form, one or two pills are given about an hour before the procedure is scheduled to begin. You will become drowsy but remain awake, although it is not uncommon for the patient to simply fall asleep.
IV sedation: The results are similar to that expected from oral sedation but as the sedative is delivered directly through a vein it gets to work faster. Using this method allows the dentist to adjust the level of sedation during the procedure.
In all three types of Chicago relaxation dentistry there is no long lasting effect, once the procedure is over you can be woken with little more than a gentle nudge. If the dentist employs gas you can get home without any assistance, if the dentist opts for oral or IV sedation it is best to have someone accompany you to the office.
Dr. Tomaselli is known for offering sedation dentistry that allows our patients to feel relaxed and comfortable will receiving the treatment they need. If you or someone you love suffers from dental anxiety, give Chicago Smile Design a call.