Sedation Dentistry Dental Care Overview – What is Sedation Dentistry?

Are you scared of the dentist? If so, you’re not alone. It’s estimated that half of all Americans put off visits to the dentist due to anxiety and fear. This is a tragic choice that can lead to tooth and gum disease, and the need for more extensive dental work in the future. Fortunately for those who dread the drill, sedation dentistry has become more popular than ever.

Just as the name suggests, sedation dentistry is dental work carried out while the patient is sedated. Some patients need only a mild sedative to calm their nerves, while others prefer a stronger medication to help them relax completely. In the past, IV sedatives were the most common. These days, patients can avoid the needle altogether by opting for oral sedatives or nitrous oxide. If injections are required to numb the mouth, these are administered after the patient has been sedated so that they do not feel or remember the discomfort.

Besides calming fearful patients, sedation dentistry can also provide a more positive experience for patients undergoing extensive work. While their procedure might take an hour or longer, the sedated patient will feel like it was over in a matter of minutes. Patients who dread the time-consuming nature of their dental visits can rest easy during their procedures thanks to sedation.

Sedation dentistry has also been called sleep dentistry. However, most patients do retain consciousness during the procedure. General anesthetic is used only rarely, and only in healthy patients due to the complications which can arise. Your sedation dentist will recommend the sedative that best fits your needs.

The number one benefit of sedation dentistry is that it helps get more people to the dentist on a regular basis. By taking part in regular dental care and cleaning, you can prevent gum disease and tooth loss. When it comes to oral health, the old adage is true: an ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure.

To learn more about sedation dentistry, talk to a dentist in your area who offers the service. You might be surprised by how far your dental office will go to make you feel safe and comfortable.