If you suffer from dental anxiety, a low pain threshold, extreme tooth sensitivity, or a mobility disorder, visiting the dentist can be very difficult. Sedation dentistry is a popular option for patients who struggle with these issues or dislike visiting the dentist in general.
Many people steer clear of the dentist out of fear. Patients undergoing dental care might have a calm and anxiety-free experience thanks to sedation dentistry. It helps those who are too terrified to visit the dentist to get the dental care they require without experiencing the widespread anxiety known as dental phobia. People who suffer from this all-too-common “dental phobia” avoid getting the necessary primary dental care, which may endanger the function and health of their mouth and smile.
One of the main advantages of sedation dentistry is that patients frequently believe that their dental operation only takes a short amount of time while, in reality, it could have taken hours to complete. Therefore, significant rebuilding treatments or other complicated dental procedures like smile makeovers that require numerous sessions can frequently be completed in fewer appointments. Additionally, sedation dentistry patients are more likely to follow through with prescribed routine care since sedation dentistry tackles some anxieties that prevent people from visiting the dentist frequently. As a result, individuals are less likely to ignore their oral health or let issues progress to the point where urgent dental work is required.
Based on your particular needs, there are several types of sedation dentistry. The length of the surgery, your health history, your level of anxiety, and your personal preferences are all critical variables. In dentistry, nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and intravenous (IV) sedation are the most often used sedatives.
The dentist will insert a tiny needle into a vein in your hand or arm during your session. The intravenous tubing the needle is attached to allows the sedative to be administered straight into the bloodstream. If you are afraid of needles, a numbing lotion can be administered to the area where the needle will poke. While some patients can keep the IV in for the entire procedure, others cannot. In this instance, the medication is given, and the needle is discarded. In both cases, the same level of conscious sedation is achieved. The doctor will continuously check your pulse and oxygen levels to ensure that you do not have an adverse reaction to the sedative. You will also have your blood pressure taken before and after the surgery. You might have some post-procedure drowsiness. Have a family member or friend drive you home because of this. It’s also a good idea to take the entire day off to get enough rest.
You shouldn’t let fear prevent you from getting the high-quality dental treatment you need. Sedation dentistry might assist you in getting the care you require for long-lasting oral health if the idea of visiting the dentist causes you to worry or anxiety. Find a sedation method that suits you by speaking with your dentist.