Sedation dentistry has become increasingly popular over the past several years. For many patients, making a dentist appointment can be extremely difficult due to fear or anxiety. If this sounds familiar to you, don’t let your fright get in the way of necessary dental procedures. Depending on the severity of your anxiety, your dentist will recommend different medications to help take the edge off while your teeth are being worked on. Using these medications can increase your comfort level, relaxing you to the point of sleep (in some cases) – benefiting you and your dentist throughout the procedure.
1. Comfort & Relaxation
Also referred to as “sleep dentistry”, using sedation can put you in an altered state of consciousness, completely relaxing you so your dentist can complete your procedure. Often times, it can be difficult for patients to stay still, especially for long periods of time. This relaxed state minimizes movement and restlessness, putting you completely at ease.
2. Minimize Pain & Memory
Especially for invasive procedures, sedation can reduce any discomfort from pain. In many cases, you’ll still follow your dentist’s commands, but you won’t always remember them.
3. Saving Time & Money
Lengthy dental procedures are often split up into multiple appointments to make them easier to handle for patients with anxiety. However, when using sedation dentistry, most procedures can be completed in one appointment – saving you time and, in the long run, money.
Not everyone’s anxiety is the same – your dentist can discuss your options with you depending on the severity of your condition. For someone with mild anxiety, for example, you may benefit from sedatives like laughing gas or an oral medication. Whereas, for someone with severe anxiety who needs a lengthy dental procedure, your dentist may recommend deep sedation. If you’re experiencing dental phobia – don’t hesitate to consult your sedation options with your dentist!
