It is perfectly normal to have some degree of apprehension or anxiety prior to receiving dental treatment. Some people however, have a stronger feeling in this regard than others. These feelings may have been produced by a less than pleasant past experience, stories told by family or friends, or by the nature of the dental procedure itself. Dental treatment may be especially frightening to young children and patients with developmental disabilities.
Whatever the cause, apprehension or anxiety, can produce many unpleasant effects including heart palpitations, high blood pressure, upset stomach and trouble sleeping the night before the appointment. Many highly apprehensive patients avoid dental care for many years until their problems become so severe that they are forced to seek emergency care.
I.V. sedation, nitrous oxide sedation, and oral conscious sedation can make practically all dental and oral surgery procedures more pleasant and safer for the apprehensive patient.
I.V. Sedation
When administering intravenous (I.V.) sedation, anti-anxiety and anesthesia medications are delivered directly into the bloodstream in a exact and measured manner. Within just seconds, you will feel completely at ease, then you will fall asleep for the duration of the dental treatment. Upon completion you will be woken back up with no recollection of the treatment itself. Depending on the depth of the sedation being used, as well as your own medical condition, various monitors will be used during your procedure to ensure your safety. Additionally, to ensure your safety, it is required that somebody drive you to and from your I.V. sedation appointment and remain with you for 24 hours post-treatment. You will receive further instructions at your consultation visit and it is important that you follow them before, during and after the appointment.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, more commonly known as “laughing gas”, is the most common method of sedation provided by dentists in Chicago, IL. A lightweight and comfortable nasal mask is worn, and a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide is administered. You will be aware of the treatment rendered by either the dentist or the hygienist, and you will be able to respond and communicate, but you will be relaxed by the warm and comfortable feeling the gas emits. Nitrous sedation can also effectively reduce or eliminate gagging during dental treatment in patients who struggle with this issue.
Oral Sedation
Your dentist at Lincoln Park Center in Chicago, IL for Dental Anesthesia offers oral sedation for patients who prefer a more moderate level of sedation. Some patients are given oral medications that are administered directly to the affected area while dental work is performed. Others may be put in a deeper state of relaxation, but will still be able to respond to light stimulation. Patients may feel drowsy and fall asleep during dental procedure in Chicago, IL. Those who choose to be sedated are required to follow a few pre-procedural recommendations and have a driver available to assist them on the day of their procedure.
General Anesthesia
General anesthesia is a controlled state of unconsciousness where a patient cannot feel, see, or hear anything during the procedure. The medication can be administered through various routes and is an extension of deep sedation, helping limit movement and discomfort during dental treatment in Chicago, IL. A highly trained and specialized anesthesiologist is required to provide this type of anesthesia to assure absolute patient safety. Your dental team at Lincoln Park Center for Dental Anesthesia is trained to provide this service!