Sedation DentistryOnalaska, WI

Understand sedation dentistry

This form of dentistry involves undertaking a therapeutic medical procedure with the administration of sedation to encourage patient relaxation. For a majority of patients, sedation occurs prior to the dental surgery or treatment to reduce anxiety and relieve pain associated with the procedure or appointment. Not everyone is a candidate for this option, and your dentist will do a thorough check on your medical background to avoid potential health concerns and complications. There are several things to understand about this approach to dentistry.

Not an anesthetic

Many people confuse sedation and anesthetics, thinking they involve the same drugs. However, these two classes of medications do not have the same use or effects. The purpose of sedatives is for relaxation, while anesthetics are for numbing the senses and pain suppression. Anesthetics typically render a person unconscious for a procedure, while sedation leaves a patient awake but in a more relaxed state.

No major risks

There are few risks and complications from using sedation. Many of the drugs used have been in use for years, with an abundance of research supporting both the safety and effectiveness of the sedatives. There are different types of sedatives, but your dentist will determine which one is appropriate for your situation depending on the severity of your anxiety. In some cases, sedatives are taken before the appointment, while others are administered while at the office through an IV.

No guesswork

Patients are not left to self-medicate when sedation is used. The drugs are prescribed and administered in specific doses. Dental anxiety is taken seriously and treated with care and concern.

Not frowned upon

Dentists approve of sedation because of the way it supports their practice and ability to care for patients. When patients are calm and relaxed, it is easier for a dentist to work on the teeth and ensure everything is done well. Dentists do not have to worry about stressing out a patient or potentially creating high enough levels of anxiety that a patient will not come back when sedation is used. Years of dental neglect could be addressed in a single appointment when the patient is under sedation.

Not just for dental anxiety

Sedation can help more than those who suffer from dental anxiety over a routine cleaning or who have apprehension about a serious surgery or procedure. Sedation could help patients who have:

• A lot of dental work to be done
• A past with traumatic dental experiences
• Difficulties sitting still
• Sensitive teeth and gums
• An uncontrollable gag reflex

Benefits of sedation

If you are approved for sedation, you will find it transforms your dental experience. With sedatives, a dental appointment or complicated procedure can seem less intimidating and lengthy. Patients are typically able to sit through a longer procedure with minimal discomfort when under sedation, allowing the dentist to take care of more serious concerns more quickly. Sedatives also address a fear or anxiety associated with possible pain from the treatment. The medications used in sedation also help minimize pain.

Patients with extreme sensitivities to pain or discomfort or who have a sensitive gag reflex often display heightened responses to such triggers when fear, anxiety, or stress levels are higher. Sedatives remove the stress and calm the nerves as well as address pain and a sensitive gag reflex.