Oral Sedation Dentistry Tips

Recent research has indicated that the number one reason adults postpone needed dental care is fear. Unfortunately, this can result in dental decay and periodontal disease.

Sedation dentistry can alleviate your fears by putting you in a calm, relaxed state so that you can have a safe, effective and, yes, even pleasant, dental experience.

Are you a candidate for sedation dentistry?

You may be a candidate for sedation dentistry if you have any of the following:

· Fear of dentists or dental treatment

· History of traumatic dental experiences

· Difficulty getting numb

· Sensitive gag reflex or difficulty opening mouth wide

· Extremely sensitive teeth

· Limited time to get your dental care completed

· Complicated dental problems or a need for oral surgery

· In denial of a dental problem until the pain is unbearable

· Hate noises and smells associated with dental offices

· Have not received professional dental care in several years

· Often make and then cancel dental appointments

· Experience sweaty palms or find yourself gripping the armrests when in the dental chair

What type of sedation dentistry is available?

There are generally three types of sedation dentistry:

· Conscious sedation which involves the use of nitrous oxide, or laughing gas

· Oral sedation which involves taking a pill to help control anxiety

· IV sedation which is the deepest of all three and involves the administration of sedatives intravenously

An experienced cosmetic dentist will be comfortable working with any of these sedation dentistry methods

How does sedation work?

With safe and proven techniques, patients receive sedative drugs which work rapidly to create a calm and relaxed state that is maintained and monitored throughout your dental treatment.

What are the benefits of sedation dentistry?

With sedation dentistry, you can relax through your dental appointment and leave refreshed, with little or no memory of the experience. Complex and lengthy dental treatments that require multiple appointments can often be completed in as little as one or two visits.