At New Wave Dental Smiles, we are proud to be the leading West Seattle dentist, offering a wide range of expert dental treatments to help our patients develop their healthiest smile. We understand that sometimes, patients may be afraid of having a dental procedure, or regularly experience dental-related anxiety. For this reason, we are proud to offer sedation dentistry in Burien, to help you get over nervous feelings so you can receive the care you need. Below is a look at several common methods of sedation dentistry and in which cases they may be used.
Conscious Sedation
As the most common form of sedation dentistry in Burien, conscious sedation is what many know and refer to as “laughing gas”. This is administered while the patient is awake and aware, and the nitrous oxide is inhaled through a mask. Laughing gas induces a state of euphoria and enables you to relax and remain calm for your dental procedure. It may also make you drowsy. This sedation is extremely safe, has no lasting effects, and wears off very quickly after treatment.
Oral Sedation
Sedation can also be achieved orally, through a pill or tablet ingested by the patient. This method of sedation dentistry in Burien works similarly to other forms, but provides the least amount of pain relief. Because its effects are long-lasting, it is excellent for reducing stress and calming anxious patients the day before or the morning of a dental visit. For those receiving a procedure that may be uncomfortable or painful, oral sedation is often combined with other methods, such as localized anesthesia.
IV Sedation
For this method, a needle is inserted into a patient’s arm to transfer the drug through an IV. It provides nearly instant effects, so it is excellent for dental procedures that are shorter in duration. Intravenous sedation also allows your West Seattle dentist to adjust the drug level throughout your procedure, according to your unique needs.
General Anesthesia
General anesthesia is frequently known as deep sedation, making a patient unconscious during a dental procedure. It is most commonly used in cases where other sedation dentistry is not possible, or in very complex procedures such as oral surgeries, or other treatments that may be painful. General anesthesia is administered either through an IV, or through inhalation via a mask. Your Burien dentist, with the help of a nurse or anesthesiologist, will closely monitor your level of consciousness throughout your dental procedure to ensure that the medicine is effective. This method of sedation dentistry in Burien involves more risks than other methods, and can only be used in patients that meet certain health requirements.
Contact Your West Seattle & Burien Dentist
If you struggle to get the dental treatment you need, due to fear and anxiety about visiting your West Seattle dentist, sedation dentistry is the perfect solution. At New Wave Dental Smiles, we proudly help even the most anxious patients receive the procedures they need with our sedation dentistry services. Dr. Bajwa is committed to providing compassionate care in a warm and welcoming office environment. If you have any questions about sedation dentistry in Burien, or anything related to dental care, we encourage you to contact us. Or, book an appointment now to get started on your healthy smile. We look forward to seeing you soon!
