Sedation Dentistry
Many people find the prospect of sitting in a dental chair for an hour or more with needles, drills, and other unyielding instruments poking their mouths extremely unnerving. And while many can undergo regular dental checkups without sedation, others might need a little extra help to get through it. Sedation dentistry uses medications to induce relaxation during a dental procedure. The goal is to eliminate or reduce anxiety and discomfort during the process.
Reasons why you should consider sedation dentistry are listed below.
1. More Procedures Done in One Sitting
If you’re planning on undergoing multiple dental procedures at once, sedation dentistry can make things easier. Getting all the work done in one sitting won’t be as traumatic as repeatedly going to the dentist and getting a little done each time. Dental work can take hours depending on the procedure and how cooperative you are as a patient.
Sedation may be the only option for those who fear dental procedures and have an intense phobia. If you have a cavity that requires it to be filled, a root canal, or need a crown or filling, you will most likely have to go to several appointments. When you opt for sedation dentistry, you can have all the work done in one sitting.
2. Gag Reflex Will be Subdued
Some people have a very active gag reflex, making it difficult to undergo dental procedures. When the gag reflex is triggered, it’s accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and retching. This reflex is triggered by anything touching the back of your tongue or by specific odors. Your gag reflex will be subdued with sedation dentistry.
3. Pain Suppression
While sedation dentistry isn’t meant to replace painkillers, it can be used in tandem to suppress them. This is what most dentists will advise, and your dentist will likely prescribe medication to manage the pain that’s likely to occur during dental work. Some people can’t tolerate the pain of dental procedures, even when given painkillers. If this is the instance, sedation dentistry may be the only option for you, as it can eliminate any pain.
4. Faster Dental Work
Some dental procedures can take much time, especially if the patient is unable to be still and has to take breaks or has a low pain threshold. If a procedure is painful or takes a long time for the dentist to finish, you can request that you be sedated. When under sedation, you are not expected to participate in the procedure. You will not be unconscious but in a state of relaxation. This enables the dentist to work more quickly, reducing the procedure time.
5. Reduces Anxiety
Dental anxiety can be a debilitating condition that makes people fearful of visiting the dentist. It can cause people to avoid dental care for long periods, leading to serious oral health problems. Dental sedation helps patients with dental anxiety by reducing their feelings of fear, worry, and apprehension. However, some people experience such significant dental anxiety that they require general anesthesia. Sedation dentistry may be the ideal choice if you have severe dental anxiety.
6. Sitting Still is a Breeze
If you cannot sit still and constantly squirm around in your chair, you might be astonished to learn that it’s a common complaint. If you find it impossible to be still when being treated by a dentist, sedation dentistry could be the solution. When you’re under sedation, you don’t feel pain, you don’t feel anything, and you cannot move.
7. Sensitive Teeth and Gums
Some people experience discomfort when having their teeth drilled or putting a needle in. If you’re among those who find this unpleasant and uncomfortable, you might want to consider sedation dentistry. There are various types of sedation dentistry, including nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, oral sedation, and general anesthesia. When under sedation, you won’t experience the pain or discomfort of having a tooth drilled.
8. Improve Your Quality of Life
Dentistry is vital to your overall health and well-being. Regular dental checkups and cleanings can help you avoid more severe problems later. People with phobias may be reluctant to seek treatment due to their fear. Fortunately, many dental treatments can be performed while you are under sedation. That way, you can receive the care you need without being aware of it. If you have a dental phobia, you should talk to your dentist about your options for receiving treatment while under sedation.
Conclusion
If you fear visiting the dentist, you might think you cannot get the dental care you need. In reality, it’s not just about how you feel about the dentist but how comfortable you are during your appointment and aftercare. Sedation dentistry is an effective and safe approach that provides many people with dental phobias the relief they need to get necessary dental treatments. Consider scheduling an appointment at 19th Avenue Dental, Everett, Washington, for a painless procedure.
