Five Key Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

When was the last time you visited a dentist near you? Although you may not have a dental emergency or an underlying dental problem that needs treatment, you should not have difficulties visiting a dentist regularly. Unfortunately, many patients cannot stand the thought of visiting a dentist, even for simple procedures like a dental cleaning. Phobias and anxieties have to blame for such behaviors. Dental phobia and anxiety can deter you from seeking treatment until it is too late that you have suffered irreversible damage to your oral cavity. What if there was a way to enjoy dental experiences without the anxiety, pain, and fear? The solution lies in sedation dentistry.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

It entails using medication to keep your brain and body calm and relaxed for dental procedures. The medicine allows you to remain still and comfortable while the dentist works on your oral cavity. Various factors can come in the way of a dentist working effectively, including gag reflexes, restlessness, dental pain, phobia, and anxiety. Such reasons merit sedation dentistry at Molar Bear Pediatric Dentistry, without which a dentist will not offer any treatment. Besides, if you want your dentist to work quickly in such tight quarters of the mouth, disarming your body from resistance to necessary treatment protocols is necessary.

How Is Sedation Dentistry Beneficial?

Sedation dentistry in Houston presents enough benefits for dentists to consider it a perfect addition to dental care for successful treatments. The top 5 benefits of sedation dentistry near you are:

1. Treating dental anxiety – many patients resists dental care due to dental phobia. The anxiety usually stems from the anticipation of high pain levels and past traumatic experiences. Sedation dentistry helps calm your nerves, so you are not anxious about dental procedures.

2. Promoting stillness – restlessness is not uncommon in dentistry. Sitting still with your mouth open in a dentist’s chair is a tall order, especially for children. The stakes are higher for long treatment protocols or multiple procedures. Therefore, pediatric dentists near you will capitalize on sedation dentistry to help young patients sit still throughout dental procedures.

3. Controlling gag reflexes – some patients have severe gag reflexes that may make it impossible for a dentist to get any dental work done. Sedation dentistry is a perfect solution for gag reflexes.

4. Managing dental pain – if the fear of needles or dental spaces does not deter you from seeking dental care, oral pain might. Pain is a big factor in dentistry, whether due to underlying infections or dental work. Sedation dentistry works with local anesthesia, numbing your mouth and calming your body. Such a combination promises a painless dental experience. Besides, if you are experiencing dental pain or severe tooth sensitivity before treatment, sedation dentistry will help you withstand any activity in your oral cavity.

5. Anterograde amnesia – some of the reasons patients experience dental anxiety regard memories of intense dental care in the past. Sedation dentistry helps avoid reinforcing new traumatic memories that may create another cause of anxiety and phobia. Anterograde amnesia is a vague, if any, recollection of the eventualities of your treatment. It is especially vital for oral surgeries and other invasive dental treatments.

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?

Dentists use regulated sedative medication to calm and relax your mind and body for dental procedures. Sedation dentistry is safe because it can be controlled. Ideally, dentists will first determine whether you need mild, moderate, or deep sedation, depending on the nature of your dental problem. From that, they will identify the most suitable type of sedation from the following four:

1. Oral sedation – entails a pill or tablet prescribed about an hour before your dental treatment.

2. Inhaled sedation – entails administering controlled levels of laughing gas through a face mask.

3. Intravenous (IV) sedation – entails administering sedative medicine directly into your bloodstream through a vein on your hand. It is the fastest method of sedation, perfect for handling dental emergencies.

4. General sedation – puts you in a deep sleep until the procedure is completed. It is common for long and intricate surgeries but highly avoided by dental experts.