Learn About Dental Sedation

Dental anxiety is a very real, and very common, problem that afflicts both children and adults. Fear of the dentist's chair prevents thousands of people from seeking and receiving the dental care they need. Unfortunately, this fear results in many people having to suffer needless pain from deteriorating oral health, not to mention the potential embarrassment of smiles affected by visible aesthetic flaws. It is with these people in mind that an ever-increasing number of cosmetic and general dentistry practices offer the option of sedation dentistry. Both oral conscious sedation and IV sedation options offer patients the chance to undergo even complex dental work without pain, discomfort, or anxiety. Furthermore, sedation dentistry allows the dentist to perform multiple procedures that might otherwise require several visits in minimal time, often in a single office visit.

Candidates for Sedation Dentistry

Candidates for sedation dentistry must be in good general health. They must also be able to arrange to be driven to and from their appointments, as the effects of sedation will impair their ability to drive themselves. Additionally, patients with certain medical conditions or who are taking certain medications may not be good candidates for sedation dentistry. Discuss all health concerns with your dentist to determine your candidacy for sedation dentistry.

How Dental Sedation Works

Sedation dentistry is generally performed using the oral conscious sedation method. With this method, patients take a pill at a set time prior to their appointment and will drift into a comfortable, relaxed state during treatment. Although they remain conscious and able to respond to questions, they will have little awareness and subsequent memory of the work being done. As an alternative to oral conscious sedation, many dentists offer IV sedation. With this method, patients are more fully put under, assuring that they will not experience any of the sights, sounds, and smells associated with sitting in the dentist's chair. With either method, even complex dental treatments like dental implants become much easier. For more information on dental sedation, please contact our cosmetic dentistry center today.