Though most people don’t enjoy going to the dentist, some are terrified of it. Dentophobia, or odontophobia, is an extreme fear of the dentist that can make it impossible for a person to receive the dental care they need. Additional measures may also be needed if someone has a sensitive gag reflex or special needs. Those who fear the dentist may convince themselves that excellent hygiene at home can replace the need to visit a professional, but procedures like root canals and tooth extractions can't be handled on their own. Luckily, there are multiple types of sedation a dentist can use to significantly reduce your awareness and sensation during the appointment. Here's a closer look at the options.

What Types of Sedation Are Used in Dentistry?

1. Nitrous Oxide

This safe and effective method of sedation is also the least disruptive since it clears the system so quickly. Nitrous oxide is often used for more complex tooth extractions and may be referred to as laughing gas because of its ability to invoke euphoria or giddiness, resulting in bouts of laughter in some people. It doesn’t put you to sleep, so the dentist can still ask questions if necessary. Many people can drive themselves home afterward.

A mask delivers nitrous oxide and oxygen to the patient, who then inhales it. It can be used in combination with a local anesthetic to ensure there’s no pain while the laughing gas relaxes the individual. Once the procedure is complete, the dentist will switch to pure oxygen to clear the nitrous oxide from your system.

2. Oral

Oral sedation is another conscious type. You'll be prescribed a pill to swallow or a liquid to drink before the procedure. Although it can make you quite groggy and even cause you to fall asleep at some point, you should still be able to answer questions if the dentist has them. Since it takes longer for the medication to leave the body, someone will have to drive you home.

3. Intravenous

When intravenous sedation is used, the dentist will monitor the vital signs of the patient as a safety precaution. At any point, they can adjust the dosage or use medication to reverse the intravenous sedative. 

While under the influence of it, the patient will usually fall asleep and wake up with no memory of the treatment. It’s an excellent option for those with severe dental anxiety or longer procedures.

4. General Anesthesia

For severe cases, general anesthesia may be used to render the patient completely unconscious. In this state, they can't easily be woken up, so the dentist can’t ask them any questions during the treatment. To administer it, the dentist must have received extensive training or work with an anesthesiologist. This option is usually not recommended for patients with obesity or sleep apnea.

If you have dentophobia, reach out to the compassionate office of William U. Britton, DDS, MAGD, in Jackson and Chillicothe, OH. The staff specializes in providing dental care to those who are most afraid of it. From routine treatment to tooth extractions and even periodontal surgery, they’re dedicated to making dental health accessible to the whole family. Visit their website to learn more about their suite of services. Call them at (740) 772-2225 to schedule an appointment.