Are you someone who gets anxious at the thought of going to the dentist? You’re not alone. In fact, studies have estimated that as many as 75% of Americans experience some level of dental anxiety. And while it’s normal to feel a little nervous before a dental appointment, some people experience such severe anxiety that it prevents them from seeking the care they need.
If you fall into this category, sedation dentistry may be right for you. Sedation dentistry is a safe and effective way to help people who experience anxiety during dental procedures. With sedation dentistry, you can remain calm and relaxed during your appointment, allowing the dentist to complete the necessary work.
There are many different benefits that sedation dentistry can offer you. Keep reading to learn more about how sedation dentistry can improve your overall dental health!
The Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
One of the major benefits of sedation dentistry is that it can help you feel more relaxed during your appointment. If you have a strong fear of going to the dentist, sedation dentistry can help you overcome that fear and get the dental care you need. In addition to helping you feel more relaxed, sedation dentistry can also help you feel more comfortable during your procedure. Some people experience pain and discomfort when they go to the dentist, even if they don’t have a fear of the dentist. If you have a low threshold for pain or are just particularly sensitive to dental procedures, sedation dentistry can help you feel more comfortable. And because sedation dentistry can help you feel more comfortable, you may be less likely to tense up during your procedure, which can make the procedure itself more comfortable. Sedation dentistry can also be helpful if you have a sensitive gag reflex. If you have a strong gag reflex, you may find it difficult to keep your mouth open for an extended period of time, which can make dental procedures difficult to complete. Sedation dentistry can help relax your muscles and reduce your gag reflex, making it easier for the dentist to complete the procedure.
How to Pick the Sedation Dentist Perfect for You
If you’re interested in sedation dentistry, it’s important that you choose the right dentist for you. Not all dentists are qualified to perform sedation dentistry, so you’ll want to make sure that your dentist has the expertise necessary to provide you with the care you need. When you’re looking for a sedation dentist, one of the best places to start is by asking your regular dentist for a referral. Your regular dentist knows your medical history and can therefore make a recommendation based on your specific needs. If you don’t have a regular dentist, you can ask your family and friends for recommendations. You can also search for dentists in your area who specialize in sedation dentistry. Once you’ve compiled a list of potential dentists, you’ll want to do your own research to make sure that they’re qualified to provide you with the care you need. You can start by checking to see if the dentist is licensed in your state. You can also check to see if the dentist is certified by the American Dental Association. In addition, you’ll want to read online reviews and look at the dentist’s website to get a better sense of their experience and qualifications.
The Various Types of Sedation Dentistry
There are various types of sedation dentistry, and the type that’s right for you will depend on your specific needs. The three most common types of sedation dentistry are oral, IV, and nitrous oxide. The most common form of sedation dentistry is oral sedation. Patients take a pill before undergoing sedation. The pill helps you feel relaxed and comfortable during your procedure. IV sedation is a more intense form of sedation dentistry. With IV sedation, you receive a sedative through an IV, which helps you feel more relaxed and even sleepy during your procedure. Nitrous oxide sedation is a mild form of sedation dentistry. With nitrous oxide sedation, you breathe in a gas that helps you feel relaxed during your procedure.
The Pros and Cons of Sedation Dentistry
As with any type of medical procedure, sedation dentistry has pros and cons. You must weigh the pros and cons carefully before deciding whether or not sedation dentistry is right for you.
Some of the pros of sedation dentistry include the following:
- It can help you feel more relaxed during your procedure
- It can help you feel more comfortable during your procedure
- It can help reduce your gag reflex
- It can help you overcome your fear of the dentist
- It can help you get the dental care you need
Some of the cons of sedation dentistry include the following
- It can be expensive
- It can require multiple visits
- It can have side effects such as nausea and vomiting
- It can interact with other medications you’re taking
- How to Prepare for Your Sedation Dentistry Appointment
If you’ve decided that sedation dentistry is right for you, there are a few things you’ll need to do to prepare for your appointment. First, you’ll need to choose a qualified dentist. Make sure that you select a dentist with sedation training to properly meet your needs. You’ll also need to get a referral from your regular dentist if you have one. If you don’t have a regular dentist, you can ask your family and friends for recommendations. You can also search for dentists in your area who specialize in sedation dentistry. Once you’ve chosen a dentist, you’ll need to schedule an appointment. Be sure to take it easy on your body after the procedure. You may be feeling groggy and tired after your appointment, so it’s important that you have someone who can drive you home or stay with you. You should also plan to take it easy for the rest of the day. Avoid any strenuous activity and be sure to get plenty of rest.
If you want to be sedated during your dental procedure to combat anxiety, visit our contact page to connect with our team of specialists.
