Why Sedation Dentistry is Ideal for You

If you are afraid of dental clinics, you are not alone. Approximately 30 million American adults actively avoid visiting the dentist out of fear and anxiety, and understandably so. In the past, most dental procedures were painful and caused a lot of discomforts. However, today we have sedation dentistry that helps you stay calm and relaxed during dental procedures.

Sedation dentistry uses medication to relax people with severe anxiety and makes the dental clinic easy to cope with. Are you still in doubt about dental sedation? Here are four reasons to convince you otherwise.

1. Sedation Reduces Gag Reflex

A gag reflex is triggered when your body shields you from swallowing something foreign. Though it is a normal occurrence, the gag reflex can be problematic during a dental procedure especially when the dentist needs to access your cavity. With sedation dentistry, the dentist can reduce its effects and enable them to perform the dental procedure. Sedation dentistry paralyzes your spasms or gag reflex making you more comfortable.

2. You Will Not Be Unconscious Unless Necessary

One misconception about sedation dentistry is that you will be unconscious. But, the truth is, we don’t give you deep sedation unless the situation calls for it. Dr. Brion Dalton will discuss the different types of sedation dentistry and which is suitable for you. The several options available include:

• Oral sedation can be mild or moderate depending on your dental condition. The dentist will give an oral pill an hour before the procedure to relax you. He may also recommend you take one the night before the procedure to give you a restful sleep.
• Nitrous oxide or laughing gas is the common type of sedation dentistry we use. The gas will be administered using a face mask and it gives the dentist the chance to regulate the dose. Plus, you will be able to recover within minutes after the mask is taken off. Laughing gas has minimal side effects and is ideal for children too.
• IV sedation is ideal for moderate to severe dental procedures such as wisdom teeth extractions. The medication is given via the veins to relax you, but not cause you to sleep. With IV sedation, you will be awake, but less aware of the procedure.
• Deep or general anesthesia is also known as sleep dentistry as you will be unconscious during the dental procedure. The sedation is ideal for people with severe anxiety and gag reflux. On the downside, it will take time to awaken, and the dentist will give medication to reverse the effects of the anesthesia.

Take note; the dentist will still give local anesthesia to numb the area and reduce the discomfort regardless of the type of sedation used.

3. Sedation Saves Time

Sedation allows our dentist to perform several dental procedures at once thus saving time. While you are under sedation, the dentist can perform a professional cleaning, whitening, root canal (if needed) or extraction. Some of the dental procedures require multiple dental procedures, but with deep sedation, the dentist can perform the treatment in one visit.

4. Sedation Dentistry has No Major Side Effects

Sedation dentistry is safe and has minimal side effects. The dentist will first assess your dental condition to determine if your eligible for the sedation dentistry. You are a candidate for dental sedation if:

• You have a severe gag reflex
• Tooth sensitivity
• Low threshold of pain

It is, however, important to ensure you get sedation done by a qualified dentist. Most dental clinics can give moderate anesthesia or nitrous oxide. However, IV and deep sedation should be administered by a licensed oral surgeon. At Lincoln Dental Associates, we are licensed to give different types of sedation dentistry.

Take Away

Sedation dentistry offers great benefits such as no anxiety or recollection of the procedure done. It helps you relax and as well as stay still during your treatment. Don’t shy away from your dental checkup because of fear or anxiety, our dental team will ensure you are comfortable and relaxed.