Sedation Dentistry Candidates

Sedation dentistry, sometimes called sleep dentistry, uses sedatives to calm the patient and provide a relaxed experience at the dentist's office during what would normally be a stressful time for someone who has a dental phobia. If you are someone who has a fear of going to the dentist, rest assured that you are certainly not alone. Sedation dentistry will allow you to seek the help that you need, but how do you know whether or not you are a candidate for this practice?

Dental Anxiety

For starters, the most obvious sign that you are a candidate for sedation dentistry is that you have a fear of going to the dentist. Maybe you have had past dental experiences that have added to this fear, or perhaps you have gone out of your way to have never gone to the dentist at all.

Multiple Treatments

Patients who require multiple treatments may also be good candidates for sedation dentistry. With sedation, your dentist can complete multiple complex treatments at once, so you can maximize your time in the dental chair. This option may be particularly suitable for patients during the placement of dental implants or other lengthy procedures.

Sensitive Teeth and Other Factors

If you have very sensitive teeth or a severe gag reflex, you may be a candidate for sedation dentistry. If the pain you have is absolutely unbearable or you are embarrassed by the state of your teeth due to the fact that you have put off treatment for far longer than you feel you should have, this also adds to your candidacy.