How Sedation Dentistry Can Change the Way You See Dental Care

To determine if you can benefit from sedation dentistry, talk to your dentist about why you want to try it and what kind of sedation would be best for you.

Dental health is known to impact your overall health, which is why it’s so important to keep good oral hygiene and be seen regularly by a dentist. According to statistics in the US, more than one in five adults reported that they hadn’t visited the dentist in the past few years.

This number shows that not all people have access to dental health, whether it’s because of the costs involved or other reasons. One of the most surprisingly impactful factors that leads to a low frequency of dentist visits is the anxiety many people feel when receiving dental treatment.

According to a study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, as many as 16% of adults have dental phobia. This makes many people skip their regular doctor’s appointments and only go when dealing with a dental emergency.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

In sedation dentistry, the doctors administer medication that controls the patient’s anxiety, helping them remain calm and go through the procedure without discomfort. Sedation is not the same thing as pain control, although some forms of sedation (like general anesthesia) will impact the pain receptors.

Sedation in dentistry comes in different forms, and its strength varies with the patient’s needs. From nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to IV sedation and general anesthesia, sedation is used to keep the patient calm and still while the doctors do the intervention.

How Does Sedation Change Dental Work for the Patient?

For people suffering from anxiety related to their dental treatment, having to go to the dentist triggers an intense response, sometimes even preventing them from getting the treatment they need.

In some cases, it’s more than just anxiety suffered by an otherwise healthy adult. Small children who need dental interventions wouldn’t stay still and cannot control their emotional response to a dental office environment, no matter how friendly it is.

Other patients suffer from physical or mental disabilities that won’t allow them to stay still for long periods or regulate their emotional responses. For these patients, sedation dentistry is the only way to get dental treatment and prevent further complications.

Are You Eligible for Sedation Dentistry?

To determine if you can benefit from sedation dentistry, talk to your dentist about why you want to try it and what kind of sedation would be best for you.

The dentist’s approach is to use the least amount of sedatives needed to achieve the desired effect. After a thorough discussion about your medical history and the type of sedation you need, you will choose the fittest sedation for you. This will allow you to get your dental problems fixed, and finally, rest assured that your oral health is being taken care of.