9 Facts You Need To Know About Sedation Dentistry

Dental anxiety and phobia are serious issues that prevent millions of individuals from seeking dental treatments. Most people develop dental anxiety or fear when they think about dental tools, injections, pain, or the dental environment. Unfortunately, avoiding treatment only makes your condition worse, causing the need for more invasive, complex, and costly treatments.

Thankfully, there’s a solution to getting dental treatments without discomfort or fear. If dental appointments make you uncomfortable, you can benefit from sedation dentistry. Below are vital facts to know about sedation dentistry.

• Sedation dentistry is comfortable.

Administering sedation is completely comfortable. If you’re undergoing a standard procedure, the dentist can administer nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas. Nitrous oxide is typically a mild sedative administered through a mask worn over the nose and mouth. Oral sedation dentistry is administered through a pill that you take orally. IV sedation is administered through a vein. Our dentist will ensure you’re comfortable.

• Sedation dentistry is safe.

Some people are often concerned about the safety of sedation. Some are worried that they might not wake up after sleep sedation. However, sedation dentistry is completely safe for both children and adults. The dentist will continually monitor you throughout the procedure to ensure that all is well. Make sure you get your treatment from an experienced and approved dental professional. Contact our dentist for sedation dentistry in Danbury, CT.

• Sedation dentistry eliminates dental phobia and pain.

The key objective of sedation dentistry is to eliminate pain, fear, anxiety, and phobia during dental appointments. No matter the complexity of your treatment, you can be assured of painless and comfortable treatment.

• There are different levels of sedation.

Sedation dentistry is administered on several levels. Minimal sedation relaxes you but you’ll still be awake or conscious. You can respond to your dentist’s questions. Moderate and deep sedation are deeper but no longer unconscious. They can easily awaken you if you fall asleep. You may not remember anything about the treatment.

• Sedation dentistry is customized to your needs.

The type and level of sedation you get will depend on the type of dental procedure, the complexity of your condition, the level of dental fear, the length of your treatment, your overall health, and more. Patient’s undergoing invasive treatments like oral surgery require deep levels of sedation. Nitrous oxide may be perfect for you if you undergo a minor procedure.

• Sedation dentistry makes treatment quicker.

Dental phobia or anxiety can make it challenging to provide dental care. Some patients can get aggressive or even vomit during dental appointments. It can interrupt, delay, or discontinue your treatment. Since sedation makes you relaxed, comfortable, and painless during dental procedures, the dentist can work faster and better. You might even qualify to get multiple treatments in a single appointment.

• You might need someone to take you home.

Nitrous oxide sedation wears off quickly, making it possible to drive home after the treatment. Deeper forms of sedation take more time to wear off and cause poor judgment, making it unwise to drive or work after the procedure. Arrange with a friend, family member, or an Uber driver to drive you home after your treatment.

• Sedation dentistry can’t be self-administered.

While sedation dentistry is comfortable and safe, you can’t self-medicate. Deeper forms of sedation require a specialist to monitor your vitals and adjust the sedation as necessary. Always follow your dentist’s instructions when receiving sedative medications.

• Patients without dental anxiety can also benefit from sedation dentistry.

While sedation helps prevent pain and phobia, you can still benefit from it even if you’re not worried or fearful about dental appointments. Your dentist can recommend sedation dentistry if you:

• Have sensitive teeth and gums
• Have difficulties staying still
• Need lots of dental work, or you’re undergoing a lengthy procedure
• Have gag reflex
• Have had traumatic experiences with dental treatments

Schedule an Appointment Today

Ready to overcome your dental phobia and anxiety with sedation dentistry? Contact Danbury Smiles – George Landress, DDS, MAGD, to book your appointment today.