Hello, my name is Karla Madison and this is my blog about the importance of dental care during pregnancy. When I was pregnant with my second child, my gums would bleed when I brushed my teeth. I went to my dentist and he told me that I had pregnancy gingivitis. He also informed me that this is a common condition for pregnant women because their hormones are changing during pregnancy. I followed the instructions of my dentist and my gums stopped bleeding and were healthy again. I also started doing research about the importance of dental care during pregnancy. If you're pregnant, you should read this blog to learn why it's so important to keep up with dental care while pregnant. This blog will give you the information you need so that you can have healthy teeth and gums during your pregnancy.
If you have your first root canal scheduled, you may experience anxiety over what to expect. While you may be concerned about the pain involved, that is often an unrealized fear. Numerous sedation options allow your dentist to perform the procedure pain-free. But what type of sedation do you need during a root canal? Sedation choices vary from person to person, but here are a few options you will have.
Oral Sedatives
Oral sedatives are one of the most common choices for root canal procedures. Your dentist will often prescribe a mild sedative for you to take a short time before your procedure. The sedative is often Valium or similar drugs in this class. The timing of your dose allows for the maximum effectiveness of your medication during your process.
Once you arrive and are in the dental chair, your dentist will numb the work area around the tooth with a topical anesthetic such as Novocain. With oral sedatives, you will be relaxed but awake. You will still hear and respond to any instructions given.
Because you are under the influence of drugs, you may require a driver for transportation to and from your appointment. Oral sedatives wear off quickly with little or no side effects.
Nitrous Oxide
Most commonly called laughing gas, nitrous oxide is another common choice for root canals. Contrary to its name, it does not make you laugh but induces a deep state of anxiety-free relaxation.
This tasteless, odorless gas is inhaled through a mask while you sit in the dental chair before the procedure begins. Nitrous Oxide will relax you while allowing you to remain awake and alert. Because it is a gas, it clears from your system quickly.
This form of sedation will require someone to drive you home. Some people report feeling slightly dizzy or light-headed for a short period after having nitrous oxide administered.
Unconscious Sedation
If you have severe dental anxiety, a strong gag reflex, severely sensitive teeth, or other medical conditions, your dentist may suggest placing you under anesthesia before performing your root canal. This process is often referred to as unconscious sedation since the anesthesia will put you to sleep.
Anesthesia is administered through an IV by a qualified professional. Because anesthesia must be administered under certain conditions, your procedure may occur at the hospital or other locations. Once sedated, you will not only be in a deep sleep but will wake up with no memory of the process or procedure.
To learn more about root canal treatments, contact a dentist in your area.
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