How long have you been avoiding your dentist? It’s alarming that people would rather suffer than visit a dental office. Dental phobia is not uncommon, so dentists offer sedation dentistry in Clayton for people who are usually willing to sacrifice their oral health because of fear. Fear is one of the most challenging emotions to control.
Is there a way to overcome dental anxiety? The answer is yes, and sedation dentistry is your ally.
Why Sedation Dentistry May Be Your Best Choice
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry allows you to stay calm and relaxed during a dental procedure. The route and level of sedation you’ll receive will vary depending on your needs. Anyone can benefit from dental sedation, including children, adults, and the elderly.
Who Are Ideal Candidates for Dental Sedation?
People who suffer from dental anxiety, fear of seeing a dentist, highly sensitive gag reflex, extreme tooth sensitivity, fear of needles, difficulty controlling one’s movements, claustrophobia, and individuals with disabilities would make great candidates for sedation dentistry.
What are the Different Types of Dental Sedation?
The level of sedation you’ll receive will be based on your needs. Some of the factors your dentist will consider include the duration of the procedure, your preference, your health history, and your level of anxiety. The commonly used types of sedation are oral conscious sedation, nitrous oxide, and intravenous sedation.
- Oral Conscious Sedation – Your dentist will prescribe a sedative medication (usually comes in pills) 60 minutes before the start of the procedure. The most commonly used oral sedative is triazolam, a drug that’s part of the diazepam family. However, some dentists may also prescribe lorazepam or zaleplon. For children, pediatric dentists often prescribe midazolam oral syrup.
Oral sedation may make you feel groggy, and in some cases, patients may actually fall asleep but can be awakened easily. Since the sedative may temporarily affect your motor skills and memory, it’s best to ask a friend or a family to accompany you to the clinic and drive you home when the procedure is over.
- Nitrous Oxide – Everyone’s more familiar with nitrous oxide, aka laughing gas. You’ll be inhaling this gas through a nosepiece or a mask. Once you start inhaling it, you’ll feel the effects within five minutes.
- Intravenous Sedation – IV sedation is performed in the dental office, where the sedative is given to your bloodstream via an intravenous line. While under sedation, your dentist will monitor your vital signs, particularly your oxygen level, blood pressure, and heart rate. People receiving IV sedation usually have no memory of it. This is ideal for people who suffer from severe dental anxiety.
How Can You Benefit from Sedation Dentistry?
Relief from Anxiety – One of sedation dentistry’s major advantages is anxiety relief. Even if you suffer from severe anxiety, dental sedation can solve the problem. It allows you to comfortably lay on the chair, calm and relaxed while you undergo treatment. Some people can control their anxiety, but some are overwhelmed with fear thinking that the procedure will cause excruciating pain or go wrong.
Reduce Gag Reflex – A gag reflex is good as it allows you to expel foreign objects in your mouth that are not supposed to be there. But if a patient has a hypersensitive gag reflex, this can interfere with the procedure. The dentist will have a hard time working on your mouth. When sedated, your gag reflex is temporarily paralyzed, allowing your dentist to work on your oral cavity more efficiently.
Relief From Pain – People are afraid of the dentist because they don’t want to experience pain, which is ironic since they probably are experiencing gum pain or toothaches. If fear of pain stops you from seeing your dentist, you can benefit from sedation dentistry. The power of sedatives can alter your brain’s perception of pain.
Dentists Work Efficiently – Your dentist cannot work efficiently if you keep squirming in your seat. Dental sedatives allow your dentist to work on you quickly and more efficiently since you’ll be sitting still the entire time.
Are You Interested in Sedation Dentistry in Clayton?
Are you scheduled for dental treatment, but you keep putting it off because of anxiety? Maybe it’s time you ask your dentist about sedation dentistry. At Tyron Family Dentistry, your oral health is our priority. We offer excellent quality dental treatments to give you a beautiful and healthy smile. Call us today if you want to book an appointment.
