Sedation Dentistry
dentist in downtown Portland
 Maintaining optimal oral health starts at home. The American Dental Association recommends that you brush your teeth at least twice a day, and floss at least once daily. Along with your home care routine, it is also recommended that you have your teeth professionally cleaned and examined at least twice a year. However, even with proper oral health care, issues can arise that require specialized treatment. You may get a cavity, a tooth can become damaged, or you may even experience tooth loss.
Getting treatment is essential. However, if you experience fear or anxiety, it can lead you to avoid treatment. Avoiding treatment can lead to serious consequences for your oral health, and your overall quality of life. At Geelan Dental Care, we can help you to get the treatment you need with sedation dentistry.
Sedation Dentistry
If you experience fear or anxiety over getting a dental treatment you need to restore your oral health, it can lead you to avoid getting the care you need. As a result, your issues can worsen, leading to the need for more invasive treatments. Sedation dentistry helps you to relax, and stay calm, enabling you to get the treatments you need. There are several levels of sedation available:
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Minimal. Minimal sedation is the lightest form of sedation. You are completely conscious, able to answer questions and respond to requests.
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Moderate. Moderate sedation keeps you conscious, but you are unaware of what is going on. You may even experience temporary amnesia, in which you do not remember parts, or any, of your procedure. It can be administered orally, or through an IV.
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Deep. Deep sedation is administered through an IV. You are kept on the brink of consciousness, and may even fall asleep.
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General anesthesia. General anesthesia, delivered through an IV, puts you to sleep throughout the duration of your procedure. |
Why Have Sedation?
Fear or anxiety over getting your dental procedures is a common reason for sedation, but these are not the only reasons. Sedation can also be used if:
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You have a low pain threshold
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Your teeth are highly sensitive
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Your gag reflex is bad
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You are unable to sit still for any period of time
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Your procedure will take a long time, or you need to have several procedures completed at once |
Types of Sedation
There are several different types of sedation to meet a variety of different needs:
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Nitrous oxide. More commonly known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is a form of minimal sedation. It is a gas that is inhaled through your nose. Nitrous takes effect quickly, and also wears off quickly. You are often able to drive home after your procedure.
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Oral conscious sedation. Oral conscious sedation is a type of moderate sedation that is taken by mouth, an hour before your procedure. It often takes 30 minutes to take effect, so a driver to your appointment is necessary. You will also need a driver home, as the effects can take a while to wear off.
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IV sedation. IV sedation is delivered directly into your bloodstream. It can be used for moderate sedation, deep sedation, and general anesthesia. It takes effect quickly. You will need a driver home, as it takes a while to wear off. |
Getting treatment for your oral health issues, whether they are simple or more complex, is essential for restoring your oral health, your smile, and your quality of life. Sedation can help you to remain calm and relaxed, easing your fears and anxieties, so you can get the treatments you need. For more information, or to find out if sedation is right for you, call Geelan Dental Care at (971) 323-1990 today.
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