What do you know about sedation dentistry? There are some myths about it…
More than One Way
For starters, people assume there’s only one way to administer dental sedation. That’s not true. There are three ways. There’s nitrous oxide, the most common one, whereas patients breathe in a colorless, odorless gas that puts them at ease. But sedation can also be given intravenously (through the veins) or in pill form!
Laughing Gas Gives You a Case of the Giggles
Next, because nitrous oxide is known as laughing gas, people assume it’ll make them laugh out loud. That’s a myth. You won’t giggle when you receive it. Instead, you’ll feel extremely relaxed.
Safety and Duration
What about safety for children? Is it “not safe for children?” According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, nitrous oxide is safe (and effective) for children.
“It takes a long time to wear off” is another myth. When a dentist takes the mask off your face, it wears off almost immediately, actually. You’ll be back to normal within 10 or 15 minutes– not hours like some people assume.
Who Is Right For It
Finally, there’s the myth that dental sedation is meant for everyone, every time, and that’s not accurate. People who are pregnant, taking certain medications/allergic to certain medications, and/or those suffering with respiratory/bronchial issues (even just a stuffy nose) may be advised to avoid sedation at the dentist’s office.
As you’d expect, every patient’s case is truly unique. Therefore, it helps to consult with your dentist to see if sedation makes sense for you. You can learn more about this topic by talking with the staff of Genesee Dental. Please call 585-343-1113. Genesee Dental is located at 37 Batavia City Centre in downtown Batavia, New York, halfway between Buffalo and Rochester. For new patient specials, click here. And for more about sedation dentistry, visit here.