Have Questions About Sedation Dentistry? We Have Answers!

If you have dental anxiety or need to undergo an uncomfortable dental procedure, sedation dentistry can help. Getting sedation from a trusted dentist in Charlottesville, VA, can increase your comfort in the dental chair. If you’ve never undergone sedation dentistry before, you may have questions. We can help! Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about sedation dentistry.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is the use of sedation to make going to the dentist more comfortable. Sedation can give patients a feeling of euphoria, to help curb problems like dental anxiety. If you need to undergo a long and difficult dental procedure, sedation anxiety can make sitting in the dentist’s chair much easier.

Can You Drive Home After Receiving Sedation?

Whether you can drive home after receiving sedation depends on the type of sedation that you were given. Nitrous oxide is the most common type of dental sedation. This colorless, odorless gas takes effect quickly and then exits the system just as fast. Once you’ve stopped inhaling nitrous oxide, you’ll be ready to drive soon after.

Other types of sedation, like oral sedation, take longer to work its way out of your system. You will need a ride home after taking oral sedation. Talk to your dentist to find out which type of sedation you’ll be given and whether you need a ride home after your dental appointment.

Does Sedation Put You To Sleep?

Sedation can put you to sleep, depending on the type of sedation that your dentist gives you. Nitrous oxide does not usually put patients to sleep, and it is the most common type of sedation that dentists provide. Talk to your dentist to find out if your sedation might put you to sleep.

Does Sedation Stop Pain?

Generally speaking, sedation does not stop pain. Instead, sedation gives patients a sense of euphoria and indifference to discomfort. If you think that you can benefit from sedation dentistry in Charlottesville, VA, talk to your dentist before your next dental appointment. Your dentist can help you decide whether this is a good option for you.