Should You Get Sedated For Root Canal Treatment?
Getting sedated can make it easier for people who are nervous or afraid of dental work. Lots of people see a root canal treatment as something horrifying even though the procedure is incredibly common nowadays. Many people ask about sedation because it seems like an easy way to get through a scary sounding procedure, but do dentists recommend it? What types of sedation is available?
WHAT IS A ROOT CANAL TREATMENT?
The inside of a tooth contains nerves, connective tissue, and soft tissue. Often when the tooth becomes infected as a result of a cavity that wasn’t fixed or a broken or cracked tooth, the tooth needs to be repaired or pulled. The goal of a root canal is to preserve your tooth while also solving the problem. During a root canal, a hole is drilled in the tooth’s enamel, and the infected or dying tooth pulp is removed. After a dentist cleans out the tooth, it can be repaired with a filling or a crown. Most people are afraid of the removal of the infected pulp because there are many nerves in that area that can cause pain.
PAIN MANAGEMENT FOR A ROOT CANAL
Most dentists will reassure their patients that root canals are painless procedures due to anesthetics. The medication can remove all pain from the tooth for the entire procedure – sometimes even for a while after. Some of the most common sedatives used during root canals include Oral Seditives and Nitrous Oxide.
Oral sedatives are usually in pill form, something like Valium. A dentist may ask you to take one before the root canal begins. The medication will make the patient drowsy, but they will remain conscious. A medication like Valium will decrease anxiety, as well.
Nitrous Oxide is another commonly used tool. It’s also known as laughing gas. This gas is inhaled before the root canal begins, and it removes anxiety and will keep the patient relaxed. Patients are still conscious throughout the procedure.
WHEN IS DENTAL SEDATION RECOMMENDED?
Oral sedatives and nitrous oxide are two of the main tools used by dentists to help patients deal with anxiety caused by a root canal.
General anesthesia is an option if a patient requires a lot of work or has special needs, such as severe anxiety or dementia. General anesthesia comes with more risks, is used in more extreme cases, and not all patients are healthy enough to receive this form of sedation.
YOUR DENTIST WILL LET YOU KNOW THE TYPE OF SEDATION THAT WILL WORK BEST FOR YOU
Nobody wakes up in the morning dreaming about getting a root canal, but sometimes it’s unavoidable. We will work with you to explain all your options and do our best to put you at ease. We’ll answer any questions you may have and recommend the best type of sedation for our situation if you require it.
