Oral Sedation in Akron, Ohio

If you have made a dental appointment for a lengthy procedure, such as a root canal or surgical extraction, you may be worried about pain, discomfort, or anxiety during the dental procedure. At Eberhardt Dentistry, we can use oral sedation to help patients relax during dental procedures.

Oral sedation (or dental sedation) is the use of a sedative drug to calm a patient during oral surgery. Sedation dentistry is sometimes called “sleep dentistry,” although there are many different types of sedation, and you might not necessarily be asleep during the procedure. Our team at Eberhardt Dentistry will work with you to ensure that you are aware of the risks and benefits so that you can choose the type of sedation dentistry that fits your needs.

Types of Oral Sedation

Sedation dentistry can range from mild sedation that leaves you feeling relaxed to general anesthesia that will cause you to be unconscious during the procedure.

Nitrous oxide or “laughing gas” is a mild sedative and is useful because it will allow you to follow instructions during the procedure and has a short recovery time.

Intravenous or IV sedation may be mild, moderate, or deep depending on the time and amount of the sedative being used. In mild conscious sedation, you will be somewhat aware during the procedure. Stronger sedation will prevent conscious awareness of the procedure. In deep sedation, if the sedative affects breathing, the surgical team may provide oxygen or other forms of assistance.

General anesthesia will eliminate any conscious experience of the procedure, but the patient will require support for their breathing, and recovery times may be longer than other forms of sedation.

Is Oral Sedation Right for You?

Dental surgery can make some people apprehensive. Oral sedation helps make sure you are relaxed during the surgery. Sedation can also keep you from feeling unpleasant pain or pressure during the surgery and may prevent you from gagging.

If you have a fear of needles, oral sedation could be an alternative to IV sedation. Our team will discuss the options that are best for you after reviewing your medical history. It is important to let them know if you have any allergies or have had a negative experience with any particular drug. Be sure to discuss any questions or concerns that you might have about any type of sedation with your dentist before the procedure.

For more information about oral sedation, please call Eberhardt Dentistry at (330) 836-558 today.