Unfortunately, dental fear is a common phenomenon, and it can prevent many people from seeking even routine dental care. Sedation dentistry can help such patients to relax while they are at the dentist. Patients have different options for sedation, so it’s important to work with your dentist to determine which one will be best for you.
How will sedation dentistry help me?
The sedatives allow patients to achieve a state of deep relaxation, without rendering them unconscious, so that they can receive dental care. For this reason, sedation dentistry is considered to be safer than general anesthesia, and the patient also is able to respond to commands from the provider throughout the appointment.
Sedation dentistry is not just for jittery patients, though. The sedatives also alter the patient’s perception of time, making it seem like time passes more quickly. Therefore, patients who are facing time-consuming treatments requiring multiple appointments can tolerate longer treatment sessions while under sedation. This allows such patients to benefit from a streamlined treatment plan.
Sedation Dentistry Options
Patients who want to take advantage of sedation dentistry have different options for delivery of the sedatives. They can opt for nitrous oxide, which is inhaled in gaseous form and takes effect quickly, helping the patient to achieve a state of deep relaxation. The effects of nitrous oxide are also reversed quickly, minimizing the impact to the patient’s daily routine.
Oral sedatives can also be an option. With this method, the patient takes an anti-anxiety pill at a specified time in advance of the appointment, which gives the medication sufficient time to take effect. When you take an oral sedative, you will not be able to drive yourself to the appointment safely, so it’s important to make arrangements to have another responsible adult bring you to our office and take you home again afterward.
Certain delivery methods may be more appropriate than others in different scenarios. Your dentist will thoroughly review your options with you so that you can make the best choice for your situation.
Could sedation dentistry help you relax and improve your experience getting dental care? Contact Tate Family Dentistry to learn more about this valuable service.