Many individuals request the use of sedation dentistry from the Salt Lake City dentist. The reasons that a patient would request this type of care range from an extreme dental phobia to those who simply want to squeeze in more dental work in one appointment to reduce time away from work. When you come to meet the Salt Lake City Dentist for your consultative appointment you can discuss the multiple options for sedation available to clients today.

Types of Sedation Dentistry Available
There are three main types of sedative offered by the Salt Lake City dentist for clients who are hoping to receive this type of care. They are oral, intravenous, and intranasal. The type of care that you are scheduled to receive, as well as the complexity of your reason for desiring sedation dentistry will often play a large role in determining which type of sedative is ideal for your given situation.

Most patients prefer to have intravenous sedation dentistry from the Salt Lake City dentist whenever possible. This includes inserting an intravenous tube into the top of the hand or wrist, through which a liquid sedative is pumped directly into the bloodstream. The reason that many patients prefer this method is that it is quick and intense. Though the patient will still be awake and aware, it is highly unlikely that they will remember any of the dental visits the next day. For those who suffer from anxiety or have a difficult time with local anesthesia, this may be preferred even during relatively routine procedures. The only downside is that the patient must not operate any type of vehicle or heavy machinery for up to 24 hours past the time of sedation.

Other clients may request that they are prescribed an oral sedative in anticipation of their next appointment. These are great for individuals who are uncomfortable with the dentist or who plan to have long, invasive procedures such as smile makeovers completed within a single day. Typically Ativan and Valium are the drugs most often prescribed for this type of sedation dentistry.

The mildest form of sedation dentistry is that wherein the Salt Lake City dentist administers nitrous oxide or oxygen through a mask placed on the face. The patient will continuously breathe in the mild sedative, often affectionately referred to as laughing gas. Most patients will notice very little effect from this type of sedative, apart from an overall sense of well-being and calm. When the mask is removed the mild sedative effect usually dissipates immediately.

Dentist in Salt Lake City and Sedation Dentistry Practices

Insurance Coverage of Sedation Dentistry
Patients of the Salt Lake City dentist may check with the billing and insurance department to cover what portion of sedative care is covered by their provider, if any. Most insurance companies will cover at least some portion of the expense required to sedate patients for dental care, under most circumstances.

Instances where Sedation Dentistry is Often Recommended
There are some instances where the Salt Lake City dentist will recommend the use of a sedative during treatment. Patients may opt out of this recommendation, but should also be aware of the possibility. Though rare, there are some risks to sedation. It is important to discuss all options with the dentist before making a decision.
When your Salt Lake City dentist may recommend sedation:

• During the installation of dental implants
• Anytime a patient suffers from severe anxiety or extreme dental phobia
• For patients who have a very sensitive gag reflex that might interfere with dental care if not properly suppressed
• For individuals who wish to receive several procedures during one appointment or for those procedures that may be especially lengthy