Sedation Dentistry in Provo

Sedatives have long been a part of the dental profession. There are several different types of sedative available for patients of the Provo dentist today and also a variety of different reasons that the dentist may suggest their usage.

Reasons to consider the use of sedation dentistry:

• To reduce anxiety/dental phobia
• Allows for a relaxed jaw, making it easier for the Provo dentist to work
• Oral surgery for things like wisdom tooth removal or dental implant installation
• Helps to quell a sensitive gag reflex
• Can reduce the number of appointments required when extensive work is needed
• Great for people who are afraid of having needles in their mouth or do not like the sensation of local anesthesia

Sedatives can be administered through IV, though more often than not, when it comes to dental care they are provided in pill form. Most patients will get a prescription for the sedatives prior to their appointment and take the pills on their way to the Provo dentist office.

Since sedation dentistry leads to extreme grogginess, patients are typically required to have someone transport them to and from their appointment. Depending on theperson taking the sedative, as well as the type used- the effective may last for several hours.

Provo Dentist Sedation Dentistry Practices

Common Types of Sedative Used in Sedation Dentistry

In sedation dentistry, The Provo dentist will offer patients either IV medication, an oral sedative to take prior to the appointment, or a gas type of sedative.

Oral Sedatives

Benzodiazepines are the most commonly prescribed form of oral sedative in sedation dentistry today. This includes diazepam, lorazepam and triazolam, also known as valium, ativan, and halcion. For most individuals the effects of these drugs, in the dosage provided by the Provo sedation dentist, will only be enough to produce mild to moderate feelings of lethargy. Patients will be calm and relaxed but will not likely fall asleep. Ideally, for this type of care the dentist wants the patient to be relaxed enough to receive treatment, but still alert enough to answer questions as needed.

Intravenous Sedatives

Intravenous sedatives are often highly preferred by patients seeking sedative dentistry because these types of sedative enter the bloodstream quickly and take rapid action as a result. The Provo dentist administers this form of sedative through an IV that is placed in either the top of the hand or the wrist. The patient will remain conscious throughout their appointment but will be very comfortable and relaxed.

Most patients who receive IV sedatives during a dentist appointment will remember little to nothing about the appointment the next day. Though many patients feel very alert as soon as the IV is removed, it is recommended by the Provo dentist that these patients do not drive or operate heavy machinery for at least 24 hours after the procedure. For this reason, it is crucial that reliable third-party transportation is planned ahead of time.

For those who are undergoing oral surgery, such as the removal of wisdom teeth- general anesthesia may be used in a hospital setting. This type of sedation is far more complete than what is used during a routine visit to the Provo dentist. It is capable of putting the patient in a complete state of unconsciousness and is rarely used for routine procedures.

Air and Gas Sedatives

These are the mildest of all sedatives, but they are good for assisting in relaxation. Many pediatric dentists routinely use laughing gas to help relax young patients who are anxious about visiting the dentist. The effects are typically mild and will often subside as soon as the mask is removed by the Provo dentist.