Fighting your fear of dentistry all begins with choosing the right kind of dental care. One option that is fast becoming a top choice for patients with a poor pain threshold is sedation dentistry. Millions of adults across America have admitted to feeling anxious about getting in the dentist’s chair, so there’s no need to be ashamed if the feeling is mutual. Whether you are hesitant to book that all-important dental appointment because you have sensitive gums and/or teeth, have dealt with a past traumatic experience or are perturbed at the thought of extended treatment sessions, it’s worth considering one of several types of sedation dentistry to instill a feeling of calm and relaxation.
Facts about Sedation Dentistry
Widely available, sedation can stop a person from feeling anxious about attending an oral check-up, thus allowing them to benefit from a healthy smile. Patients receiving sedation dentistry will have reduced memory of the procedure and increased comfort. This makes a huge difference in the case of invasive treatments, like root canal. Patient co-operation is increased when anxiety levels are lowered and this essentially saves time, which means fewer appointments! Widely available, sedation dentistry will affect movement control and gag reflex, which will essentially have an impact on treatment quality.
Main Types of Sedation Dentistry
To understand what type of sedation dentistry you will receive, booking a consultation with the dental professional is advisable. He or she will assess your oral health and determine your pain threshold, before deciphering between the following:
- Local anesthesia – Medication will be injected into tissues in a specific area to eliminate sensation, but only temporarily.
- Minimal sedation – The most frequently used, minimal sedation involves the use of oral medication. Typically, nitrous oxide will be combined with oral sedation and the patient will still be responsive to verbal commands. It is possible for the patient to drive home after receiving nitrous oxide gas.
- Moderate sedation – Medication will be administered orally or intravenously (IV) to achieve this sedation dentistry, which ensures all bodily functions work as normal. No breathing assistance is required for moderate sedation.
- Deep sedation – It will not be easy to wake patients who are deeply sedated, which is achieved by combining oral medication, injections and gases, such as “laughing gas”. Feeling drowsy after treatment is normal however, transport should be arranged.
The Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
If you are someone who has a dental phobia, requires a lot of dental work or has claustrophobia, sedation dentistry could benefit you. These services are also suitable for individuals who have limitations because of social, physical or psychological reasons. Improved relaxation and comfort is guaranteed with the treatment, which can transform visits to the dentist from unpleasant to calming. A lot of time can be saved for patients that might otherwise necessitate numerous visits due to the fact the dentist will be able to accomplish more during a single visit when sedation dentistry is used. The more focused the dentist is, the better the overall treatment quality will be.
