Dental anxiety is very real for a lot of people. For them, it could be the result of a previous trauma or infrequent visits that have led them to perceive dental appointments as an overall terrible experience. Sedation dentistry changes the game for them. This branch of dentistry helps patients overcome their fears of visiting their dentist for regular checkups, allowing them to improve their oral health in the process.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry provides patients the ability to stay calm throughout their dental procedure through the use of sedatives. Sedation dentistry provides you an opportunity to take care of your teeth without going through some fears and anxieties that you often associate with each dental visit. This can be used in simple and even complex procedures, making the entire process worry-free and pain-free.
Types of Sedation Dentistry
There are different types of sedation that you can choose from, depending on the dental procedure and your anxiety level. You may discuss your worries with your dentist so that they can gauge the type of sedation that best suits your needs.
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Oral Sedation
Oral sedation involves a prescribed pill that the patient takes prior to the procedure. Patients with mild to moderate dental anxiety and who need to undergo minor procedures are best suited for oral sedation. While it does not take the pain away completely, oral sedation produces a feeling of relaxation, reducing the patient’s anxiety. To relieve pain, the dentist can pair oral sedation with local anesthesia that would numb the affected area. Should you opt for oral sedation, you would need someone to drive you home after your dental visit.
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IV Sedation
Also known as conscious sedation, (IV) intravenous sedation soothes higher levels of anxiety and discomfort. Performed by an anesthesiologist, IV sedation is safe and works fast as it enters your bloodstream. This is recommended for patients with severe dental anxiety or those who need to undergo lengthy and complex procedures such as dental implants and wisdom teeth removal.
Interestingly, IV sedation often gives patients anterograde amnesia – a type where patients cannot make new unpleasant memories during the procedure. This is most beneficial for
patients with a severe dental phobia which is the result of a traumatic childhood experience and keeps building up with each dental visit.Patients who choose IV sedation would need to fast from eating and drinking for 8 hours prior to their dental procedure. They would also have to bring someone to drive them home as IV medication does not wear off immediately following their dental visit.
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Nitrous Oxide
Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is the most common type of sedation. This is a great option for patients with dental anxiety who need to undergo a moderately painful procedure. It can also be used for children and persons with special needs who encounter difficulty keeping still during their dental visits. While it does not put them to sleep, nitrous oxide makes the patients comfortable by putting them in a dreamlike state.
Nitrous oxide is administered by the dentist by placing a nasal mask producing colorless and odorless gas. The effect of nitrous oxide only lasts as long as the patient inhales the gas.
5 Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry is most helpful for those suffering from any form of dental anxiety, which makes many patients skip the aspects of oral health care that would need the guidance and expertise of dental professionals. Sedation dentistry makes these needed dental visits easier for these patients by offering the following benefits:
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Reduced Anxiety
Anxiety can make people miss their appointments or even avoid meeting their dentist entirely. The primary benefit of sedation therapy is to provide relief from dental anxiety. It can allow them to rest calmly and silently before, during, and after the procedure. Many patients actually notice that sedation dentistry gives them a soothing break from their busy life.
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Pain-Free Dental Experience
Patients do not really need to be fearful of the dentist just to consider sedation dentistry. Patients with more complex dental issues, sensitive teeth or gums, or gag reflexes may opt for sedation dentistry should they need to undergo extensive medical treatment. Sedation dentistry can alleviate the overall discomfort, making them more relaxed during their lengthy procedure.
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Cost-Effective
If you have been putting off your dental visits, the treatments that you need to undergo will certainly pile up. Usually, extensive dental procedures would require several visits. Sedation dentistry allows your dentist to perform multiple treatments in just fewer appointments, saving you both time and money. Luckily, sedation dentistry is reasonably priced and its cost will not dissuade you from visiting the dentist.
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Doctors Can Work More Efficiently
As the patient is more relaxed while sedated, they can remain still and lessen sudden movements. This allows their dentist to be more focused on performing the dental treatments without worrying about the patient’s reactions to the tools used during the procedure. This makes the treatment less complicated and less prone to disruptions.
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Great for People with Special Needs
Parents of patients with autism and sensory processing disorder (SPD) often struggle with their kids’ dental appointments. But with sedation dentistry, patients with special needs can already visit the dental clinic without experiencing hypersensitivity and great discomfort due to their condition.
Is Sedation Dentistry Right For You?
If you have concerns that discourage you from going to the clinic, know that sedation dentistry is always available to make your dental trip a pleasant experience. But what makes you a good candidate? Sedation therapy is perfect if you have experienced or are currently experiencing any of the following:
- A traumatic dental experience in the past
- Fear of needles
- Loss of control
- Sensory overload
- Breathing problems
- General anxiety disorder
- Sensitive teeth or gums
- Resistance to local anesthesia
Experience Quality Dentistry with a Peace of Mind with Sedation Dentistry
While it is understandable that some people have dental anxiety or phobia due to past trauma and other factors, they should not let these negative feelings come at the expense of their overall oral health. Sedition dentistry is an innovation that can help them work around these issues, allowing patients to reintroduce regular dental schedules into their routine, and with it, improve their health.
Madison Dentistry LLC., is equipped with the latest state-of-the-art technology that can carry out the different types of sedation dentistry. We are composed of a team of experienced board-certified dentists who embody the essence of a family-oriented style of dentistry. This is how we ensure that every patient walking into our clinic can avail the best dental treatments and services with results that would give them their best smile. Book a free initial consultation today!
