Thinking about your upcoming dental appointment, you worry about what might happen. Your nerves are building up, and your imagination runs away. You almost wish you could get knocked out for your appointment! Your dentist offers inhaled sedation, but will it put you to sleep? Will this option help you? Why is getting rendered unconscious not a great idea for dental visits? Keep reading to find out!
Will Inhaled Sedation Put Me to Sleep?
Just a few minutes after the nasal mask is placed and you inhale deeply, you’ll start to feel the effects of the odorless gas kick in. When it comes to dental sedation, the gas you inhale will not put you to sleep. You remain awake and aware of what’s happening around you, but you enter a calm, relaxed, and content state. Many describe a warm feeling or a “floating” sensation while having inhaled sedation as well.
What Are the Advantages of Inhaled Sedation?
Perhaps you think you would prefer to be knocked out for your dental appointment, but sedation doesn’t need to be that powerful or drastic to help you have a more enjoyable time in the dentist’s chair. In fact, for many people, inhaled sedation keeps them at ease and alleviates their fears without having to resort to being rendered unconscious.
Receiving inhaled sedation offers several benefits, including its gentleness. This option is safe for the strong majority of patients. While you inhale the gas, your dentist will check in with you to make sure you remain comfortable, potentially adjusting levels to keep you relaxed and content. Once your procedure is over, the nasal mask is removed, and within minutes, the effects of the gas fade. As a result, you can drive yourself and return to normal activities without any lasting side effects.
Why Would I Need to Be Awake During My Dental Appointment?
If you’ve ever been put to sleep for a medical procedure, you know how involved the process is. It takes several hours, requiring an anesthesiologist to monitor your vitals and make sure you fully wake up afterward. Needless to say, your dental appointment would be significantly longer and more complicated if you were put to sleep! Also, the dentist may need to ask you questions about your pain level or your oral health habits or have you move your head. Sedated with inhaled gas, you can ensure you receive the best possible care without putting you fully under and taking all day.
In the end, choosing inhaled sedation is a smart move. Not only will it allow you to have a better time during your dental appointment but also be less complicated than being put to sleep. For your next appointment, talk to your dentist about using this sedation option and feel better about what’s to come.
About the Author
Dr. George Hoop has practiced for more than 30 years so far, and his pursuit of continuing education is still strong. In fact, he has studied with prestigious organizations like the Dawson Academy, Pankey Institute, Pikos Institute, and more to bring cutting-edge techniques and treatments to our patients. If you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Hoop, you can contact his Naples office online or call 239-594-8817.