Sedation Dentistry for a Root Canal

 

There is a misconception that root canal treatment is too painful; however, you must not confuse the existing pain due to an infection with the root canal therapy near you.

Sometimes, patients visit a dental office in pain and then complain about the dental treatment. The root cause of the ache is not the dental procedure. On the contrary, root canal therapy in Flagstaff saves your compromised teeth and prevents you from undergoing teeth extractions.

Dental Anxiety

However, some people cannot manage their stress when facing any dental procedures because they may suffer from dental anxiety.

Dental anxiety is the irrational fear of the dental professional. A person with dental anxiety suffers from high stress before and during a dental appointment and tends to postpone the dental visit due to their fear.

Our endodontic dentist in Flagstaff will explain sedation dentistry to manage dental anxiety for any dental procedures, including root canal therapy.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry consists of sedating a very nervous patient before the treatment. It is convenient for the patient because they tend not to remember a thing of the procedure, and for the dental professional because they can work better and faster.

Sedation dentistry is perfect for grown adults who cannot remain calm, little children that misbehave, and patients with special needs. A dentist near you will determine what option is best in your case (if you require it).

There are three forms of sedation dentistry:

1. Oral Sedation 

The patient will take a pill (sedative) about a half-hour before the treatment, the time that it takes to effect. After this time, you will feel drowsy, and it’s possible that after the treatment, you don’t remember what happened (short-term amnesia). 

Since the effects remain for some time, you must arrange your drive back home with a friend. Regarding your daily activities, you must resume them the next day. We strongly suggest that you stay calm the rest of the day.

2. Gas Sedation

You have probably heard of Nitrous Oxide, also known as laughing gas. Your dental professional will place a mask over your nose, and you will inhale the gas. Immediately, you will feel calm and relaxed. 

As soon as you remove the mask, the effects wear away. You may get back to your daily responsibilities right away. 

It is the most common form of sedation.

3. IV Sedation

For severe cases of anxiety, we recommend IV sedation. You should bring a friend to the dental appointment who can take you home afterward.

During root canal therapy near you, a doctor administers a local anesthetic to numb the area. You won’t feel any pain or discomfort; however, if you still prefer sedation dentistry, discuss it with your dental professional. 

A doctor will evaluate you to determine if you qualify for sedation dentistry. They will ask about your medical history, and you should discuss how anxious you may get during a dental appointment.

The Root Canal Treatment

The root canal system is the part that contains the nerve and blood vessels that keep the tooth alive. If bacteria spread to it, an endodontist removes the nerve and places a biocompatible material.

Your doctor will drill the tooth to access the nerve, remove it, disinfect the area, and seal it with Gutta-percha and cement. Afterward, you will need a porcelain dental crown to restore the function and aesthetics of the tooth. Avoid chewing with the treated dental piece until you get the permanent restoration in place.

If you have any other doubts, you may contact us at your earliest convenience.