From cavities and periodontal disease to root canal infections, dentists can treat many uncomfortable oral health issues. If you’re undergoing a procedure, it’s common to feel anxious about the experience and any potential pain you might face. Fortunately, there are several sedation dentistry treatments that can ensure you feel nothing when the time comes. To prepare you for your upcoming appointment, here are some common anesthetics your dentist may recommend to make your procedure painless.

5 Types of Sedation Dentistry

1. Local Anesthesia

If you’re afraid of pain during standard procedures such as a filling for a cavity, your dentist may recommend local anesthesia. This medication is injected at the affected site to numb the nerves and prevent you from experiencing sensations during treatment.

2. Oral Sedatives

While local anesthesia can block pain, it won’t necessarily help you feel more relaxed in the dental chair. If you feel anxious, talk to your dentist about oral sedatives. For this treatment, you’ll take a few doses of oral medication before your appointment, which calms your nerves while allowing you to remain conscious during the procedure.

3. Intravenous Sedation

IV sedation dentistry is similar to oral sedatives in that it helps ease nerves, but doesn’t necessarily block feeling. However, since it’s delivered through the bloodstream, it can start working almost immediately, eliminating the need for medication before your appointment.

4. Nitrous Oxide

Also known as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is inhaled through a mask during surgery or treatment. In addition to promoting relaxation, this gas can help block pain signals to reduce discomfort as a dentist works on your mouth. Although this medication wears off fast, it leaves you drowsy and forgetful, ensuring you feel nothing during the procedure.

5. General Anesthesia

General anesthesia is delivered intravenously under the care of a trained anesthesiologist. This medication is much stronger than local anesthesia and will block all pain signals in the body. You’ll be unconscious, but still semi-responsive during care to help your doctor perform necessary treatments. This technique is typically used for dental surgeries, such as wisdom teeth extractions and dental implant procedures, since these are longer and can cause more discomfort.

Serving patients of all ages in the area of Kodiak, AK, BridgeView Dental Group is known for its high-quality service and gentle touch. Their dentists offer comprehensive sedation dentistry services to help you feel at ease whether you’re getting a cavity filled or having a root canal procedure. Visit them online to learn more about what they do, or call (907) 486-3257 to book an appointment.