Reasons To Choose Sedation Dentistry

For many dental procedures, more and more people are choosing to have sedation dentistry. This involves the use of anesthesia so that the patient is relaxed, or even sleep, during the procedure, depending on the level of sedation. Some of the most common types of sedation used are nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedatives (enteral conscious sedation) and intravenous or IV sedation (unconscious sedation). There are several reasons to choose sedation dentistry, including the following:

Lessen Anxiety about Dental Procedures

Many people are terrified of visiting the dentist, even if it is just for a simple teeth cleaning. But, without regular dental visits, you will likely end up with dental issues in the future, including decay and gum disease, which can affect your overall health. Depending on the type of procedure, the level of sedation will vary. You will be completely relaxed, and you won't be nervous about the work that the dentist is doing. An added benefit is that you will find that since you were less nervous about the dental visit while sedated, you will have fewer anxieties about future visits to the dentist because you will know that you will be able to relax.

Movement is Limited

When having dental procedures performed, it is important that you try to be as still as possible so the dentist can work easily. Patients who are nervous will tend to move around, often without even realizing it. This is also often a problem when the patients are children, who tend to not be able to sit still for long periods of time. Mild sedation will allow patients, both children and adults, to relax enough to be able to remain still while the dentist is working.

Great for Long Procedures

If you are undergoing a procedure that is going to involve spending many hours in a dental chair, such as a root canal or other dental surgery, sedation dentistry will often be recommended. You will be able to sleep through the procedure, so it won't seem like it took any time at all. When you wake up, you will be ready to go home. You may not be allowed to drive, so plan on making transportation arrangements.

Pain Relief

Some people have very high pain thresholds and can even handle having dental work done without freezing. Others require a lot of freezing, and often, their dentists aren't able to numb their mouths enough to begin any procedures. If you opt to be fully sedated during the procedure, you will not feel any pain. When you wake up, the dentist will give you pain killers, and often a prescription for additional pain killers and anti-inflammatory medications.