Sedation Dentistry in Portland, OR
When it comes to going to the dentist, most of us know that there isn’t anything to worry about. However, for children and some adults, going to the dentist can be a scary and frustrating experience. Sedation dentistry is a specialization that works to find ways to ensure patients are comfortable with their dental visits. When you visit Pham Dental Care in Portland, you get all the dentistry services you need in one place, including sedation dentistry.
Not everyone needs sedation dentistry, but sedation dentistry can be a lifesaver for those worried about pain, children, and those who become anxious or nervous at the thought of going to the dentist. To help you understand what to expect when you ask about sedation dentistry at Pham Dental Care in Portland, we will go over what it entails.
How Does Sedation Dentistry Work?
Sedation dentistry covers all the different ways that dentists can sedate patients and techniques to help them remain calm. Rather than simply choosing a sedation method, the dentist will first consult with the patient about why they think they may need it. Depending on the patient’s needs, the dentist will select the best option to suit the unique situation.
Sometimes, the dentist may suggest gentle breathing and meditation techniques to calm a patient down before an important procedure. If that is not enough, the dentist may prescribe an oral sedative to be taken a right before the appointment to keep the patient calm.
From there, if that option is not enough, the dentist may use laughing gas or an IV sedative to keep the patient calm during whatever work needs to be done. Full sedation, where the patient is put to sleep, is generally reserved for when a patient needs to undergo surgery or for the most extreme cases of anxiety or panic when visiting the dentist for any treatment.