In an age when anyone can easily share anything they want on the internet, regardless of whether it’s true or not, it’s no surprise that there’s a lot of misinformation out there regarding sedation dentistry.
At Leavitt Dentistry, we want our patients to have all the information they need to make informed decisions about their oral health. That’s why we’re setting the record straight and evaluating whether there’s truth behind some of the most common myths surrounding sedation dentistry.
Myth #1: There’s Only One Type of Dental Sedation
For many years, nitrous oxide was the primary method of dental sedation in most offices, but today, there are many different options ranging from gentle relaxation to deeper sedation. At Leavitt Dentistry, we offer oral sedation, IV sedation, and nitrous oxide. Dr. Leavitt can even perform procedures in r surgery centers under general anesthesia.
To determine which type of dental sedation is best for you, Dr. Leavitt will take into account your unique needs, medical history, and any concerns. Our team is committed to providing personalized sedation dentistry solutions to ensure each of our patients is comfortable in our office.
Myth #2: Nitrous Oxide is Only for Children
While nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas) is commonly used to keep children calm and relaxed during dental visits, they are not the only patients who can benefit from this mild form of sedation. Inhaling this sweet-smelling gas slows down your nervous system, inducing a sense of relaxation and reducing anxiety. Unlike IV sedation or general anesthesia, you’ll remain alert while under the effects of nitrous oxide. At Leavitt Dentistry, we recommend nitrous oxide for anyone who experiences a non-severe level of dental anxiety, whether a child or an adult.
Myth #3: Sedation is Only for Complex Procedures
Although it’s often used for oral surgery, sedation dentistry isn’t just for complex procedures. Whether you’re having your wisdom teeth removed or needing a routine dental hygiene visit, sedation is always an option for you at Leavitt Dentistry. We are committed to making dental care accessible to everyone, including those with severe dental anxiety, children, and individuals with disabilities. This commitment is evident in our wide range of sedation options, ensuring all of our patients can get the care they need while remaining comfortable and relaxed.
Myth #4: Sedation Dentistry is Dangerous
While there’s some level of risk involved with any procedure, sedation dentistry is highly safe with minimal risk of complications. When sedation is administered by a highly trained and experienced dentist like Dr. Leavitt, you don’t need to be worried about encountering any issues. As one of the few IV sedation-certified dentists in the Pocatello area, Dr. Leavitt is well-known for providing safe, effective care. He has treated thousands of IV sedation patients over the past 20-plus years, helping many patients to receive care that would have otherwise been very difficult or impossible for them.
Not all patients are good candidates for all types of sedation. Certain medical conditions may disqualify you from some options. We are committed to providing the best sedation dentistry solutions without compromising your safety. To avoid unnecessary risks, Dr. Leavitt will perform a comprehensive review of your medical history before approving you for sedation.
Myth #5: Redheads Need More Anesthesia
You may have heard that natural redheads require more anesthesia than people with other hair colors. Unlike the rest of the myths on this list, this one seems to be true! Although scientists are not sure exactly what the connection is between hair color and anesthesia tolerance, studies have shown that redheads need about 20 percent more anesthesia to be sedated, along with a higher dose of local anesthetics like lidocaine
If you’re worried about the effectiveness of sedation dentistry or anesthesia, whether you’re a redhead or not, don’t hesitate to discuss your concerns with our team. Your comfort is our top priority, and we’d be happy to adjust the dosage of our oral sedation, IV sedation, or nitrous oxide to ensure your visit is free from pain and stress.
Sedation Dentistry in Pocatello, ID
Don’t let anxiety or misinformation surrounding sedation dentistry keep you from getting the dental care you need. If you have any questions or concerns about sedation dentistry, feel free to speak with one of the expert team members at Leavitt Dentistry.
We believe that everyone should be able to achieve excellent oral health, which is why we do everything we can to remove barriers that prevent individuals from obtaining the happy, healthy smiles they deserve. We are known for our dedication to comfortable, accessible, and affordable dental care, and we aim to provide each of our patients with outstanding service. Give us a call today to schedule your appointment.
