Nearly 50 percent of Americans hold off dental treatment due to fear or anxiety, according to the American Dental Association. Sedation dentistry can provide a comfortable option to delaying or avoiding dental treatment. Patients who seek timely dental care are less likely to suffer the repercussions associated with dental neglect, including severe periodontal disease, dental decay and tooth loss.

Sedation dentistry refers to the use of medications to induce a calm, relaxed sensation throughout dental treatments or procedures. Dentists have a variety of medications out there to help their patients handle anxiety or discomfort, in which they may use inhaled sedation, oral sedation or IV sedation, depending on the treatment and the individual patient.

Inhaled sedation tends to be the lightest type of sedation and allows the patient to remain awake and able to assist as needed. Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is administered through a mask placed over the nose, and the patient is advised to breathe through his or her nose. Once the dental procedure is finished, the patient is provided with oxygen, which helps remove the nitrous oxide from his or her system more quickly.

Oral sedation is accomplished through certain anti-anxiety medications and can be either a light or a moderate form of sedation, and it may be used alone or with inhaled sedation. Dentists will supply their patients with a prescription for these medications ahead of time together with instructions for use. Patients who use oral sedation will usually require someone else to drive them to and from their dental appointment.

IV sedation tends to be a moderate form of sedation, which can enable the patient to fall asleep during treatment but remain cognizant enough to cooperate as needed. IV sedation is not as common as oral sedation and inhaled sedation and may be not proper for patients who are uncomfortable with needles. In some cases, deep sedation may be necessary for some patients. Deep sedation is achieved through general anesthesia. Only a specially trained dentist is eligible to administer general anesthesia.

While most people view sedation dentistry something that primarily benefits those who suffer from dental anxiety or phobia, it can serve a wide range of patients, especially those with special needs. Patients with autism, Asperger's syndrome, Alzheimer's, Down syndrome and similar health conditions may find dental treatment to be uncomfortable or even frightening. Sedation dentistry can offer them with a more favorable experience and enable them to get the dental care they need.

Patients who do not suffer from dental anxiety, but who suffer from an active gag reflex or who have a low pain threshold may also take advantage from sedation dentistry. Sedatives can help them feel more relaxed, calm their reflexes, and create a virtually pain-free experience.

You can visit BestNorthHollywoodDentist.com to learn more about sedation dentistry options. Our North Hollywood sedation dentistry specialist offers various options to help patients have a more comfortable and pain-free treatment.