Some cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as teeth whitening, do not require any sort of anesthesia. For those procedures that do require anesthetic for your comfort, talk to your cosmetic dentist about sedation. Sedation can make your experience much more comfortable, and can allow the dentist to perform several procedures in one appointment.
Sedation and Cosmetic Dentistry
If you’ve decided on cosmetic dentistry, it’s important to talk to your dentist about the technicalities of your appointments. Will the procedure require an anesthetic? Will sedation be available as an option? Although some procedures don’t require anesthetic at all, others are more invasive. Some cosmetic procedures that require anesthetic include:
- Gum contouring
- Crown lengthening
- Cosmetic crowns
If you are anxious at the dentist or would prefer additional sedation, talk to your dentist about your options. Your dentist probably has a preferred method of sedation, and you can discuss the pros and cons of the different approaches to determine which is best for you.
Choosing Sedation
Sedation is generally used in conjunction with a local anesthetic. If you have issues with dental anxiety or a general anxiety or panic disorder, sedation can help you remain completely relaxed and calm while the dentist is working on your teeth. It’s useful not only for cosmetic procedures, but for regular dental work that has been put off because of your aversion to the dentist.
There are three main types of sedation:
- Oral sedation
- Nitrous Oxide
- Intravenous sedation
With oral sedation, you must take a pill a short time before your appointment. Be sure to have someone drive you to the dental office and back home after your procedure. With nitrous oxide, you simply breathe the gas while the dentist is working on you. The effects of nitrous wear off fairly quickly, so you might not need a ride home. Intravenous sedation also wears off fairly quickly, but in both cases, arrange for a ride if you are at all uncomfortable or uncertain about your ability to drive.
Call the office of Dr. Daggula to understand all your sedation options!
