Despite advances in medical technology that make dental procedures less invasive and less painful, dental anxiety remains a common fear among American adults. Sedation dentistry is one option that helps many people who fear the dental chair, which is extremely important as skipping dental procedures can have a negative impact on oral health and overall health.
What is sedation dentistry?
The use of medicine to create relaxation in the dental chair is called sedation dentistry. Although it is also known as "sleep dentistry," most types do not actually put you to sleep. Types of sedation, including IV sedation, oral sedation, and nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas) can be administered in various doses to ensure that patients are relaxed, comfortable, and cooperative during lengthy or invasive procedures.
While sedation dentistry is primarily used for those with a fear of the dentist office, it is also appropriate for the following cases:
- Patients with a low pain tolerance
- Patients who cannot sit still
- Patients with a reactive gag reflex
- Patients with sensitive teeth
- Patients needing extensive or invasive procedures
What types of dental procedures require sedation dentistry?
While many patients with dental anxiety would love to be knocked out for a general cleaning, sedation dentistry is usually reserved for invasive treatments. Long procedures that require patients to remain still for long periods are much more effective when the patient is sedated. Sedation can be used for ANY procedure; and is an excellent option for anyone that experiences anxiety when considering treatment. Here are common procedures that may utilize dental sedation:
Bone grafts
When dentures have an improper fit, they are sometimes uncomfortable or even painful. Bone grafting is often needed for aligning the dentures. This procedure is generally unpleasant, so sedation is recommended to help the patient's comfort level.
Dental implants
Many people lose teeth over time due to issues such as injury, neglect, illness, or age. Dental implants are very effective in restoring the physical and psychological aspects of a tooth. Sedation is useful during the lengthy procedure of installing a dental implant.
Emergency procedures
When an emergency requires a trip to the dentist, the patient may be in shock or in pain. Sedation is used to calm the patient and keep them still while undergoing treatment.
Extractions and fillings
The process of removing teeth can be traumatic and sometimes lengthy, so sedation is nearly always recommended. Sedation is also recommended for anxious patients who need several fillings at once.
Conclusion
Sedation dentistry provides a win-win situation for the dentist and patient. It ultimately helps the dentist to complete their work with minimal disruptions while helping the patient to relax and even enjoy the procedure. If you need any of the procedures described above, or if you suffer from anxiety regarding your dental visits, talk with your dentist to see if sedation dentistry is a good choice for you.
Request an appointment here: https://siegertdental.com or call Siegert Dental at (608) 394-3943 for an appointment in our Onalaska office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Sedation Dentist in Onalaska, WI.
Related Posts
Dental anxiety is an extremely common condition among American adults. Sedation dentistry is frequently used as an option to help settle patients' nerves and ensure they do not skip critical appointments and procedures out of stress or fear. Sedation dentistry is the use of medication to relax a patient during a dental procedure. The medicine…
Sedation dentistry involves using specific techniques or medications to help the patient relax while undergoing dental care. Generally, patients are still awake and aware during their treatment but feel more relaxed and at ease. There are many reasons why a dentist might recommend sedation dentistry. The type of dental care given depends on the needs of…
Dental phobia is a real problem. As many as 9-20% of Americans avoid dental visits due to anxiety. Sedation dentistry is one common approach to helping patients manage their fear of the dentist.While often used interchangeably, there are actually shades of difference between dental anxiety and dental phobia. Dental phobia is more serious, causing people…
If you are one of the many people crippled by dental anxiety, your primary question when visiting the dentist is "Will this hurt?" Luckily, advances in sedation dentistry enable you to easily endure procedures historically known for their painfulness. Unfortunately, even understanding that a procedure will not be painful does not relieve many patients' anxiety.…