Sedation might sound like a serious medical procedure only reserved for extreme circumstances. In reality, dental sedation is an option that is available to almost everyone. Dental sedation ranges in strength. It can produce a light form of relaxation or full unconsciousness, depending on a patient's needs and goals. Here are four things patients should know about dental sedation.

1. You can request dental sedation.

Don't wait for your dentist to offer dental sedation. You can start the conversation yourself. In fact, it's preferable for you to request sedation since your dentist can't tell how you feel unless you communicate. If you're feeling anxious, bring it up with your dentist. Dentists want their patients to have a safe, calm, comfortable experience at the dentist's office. Anxiolytic medication can help your dentist provide that experience.

2. You should talk about your sedation options in advance.

There are multiple methods of dental sedation available. Your dentist will lay out your options, but it's best to have this conversation before you get to the dentist's office. If you think you want to be sedated, call your dentist a few days before your scheduled appointment. Some types of sedation are administered in-office, like IV sedation and nitrous oxide. Other forms of sedation, like anti-anxiety pills, must be taken a few hours before your appointment so they have time to begin working.

3. You may require help getting home.

Some forms of sedation will continue to affect you even after your dental appointment is over. Nitrous oxide is an inhalable gas that helps you feel relaxed; as soon as the nitrous oxide mask is removed from your nose, you will feel clear-headed again. However, the medications used for oral sedation and IV sedation will linger in your system. It's unsafe to drive while under the influence of these drugs, so you will need some help getting home. Arrange to have someone pick you up from your dental appointment. Making plans in advance means you'll have one less thing to worry about on the day of your appointment.

4. You can undergo any dental procedure with a little extra help.

Visiting the dentist can be a fraught experience for patients with dental anxiety. When even a routine exam feels challenging, having a more complicated dental procedure can feel impossible. Fortunately, dental sedation can make any procedure easy. Wisdom teeth extraction, root canals, and dental implant surgery can all be performed in conjunction with dental sedation.

To learn more, contact a resource that offers dental sedation services.