Is Sedation Dentistry Right for You?
Are you avoiding dental treatments because you’re too scared to make it to your appointment? Avoiding the dentist can be detrimental to your dental hygiene, leading to severe oral health problems. Sedation dentistry is a safe and effective way to get the dental care you’ve been avoiding. All you have to worry about is showing up to your appointment and having a ride home from the treatment.
Sedation dentistry, especially oral conscious sedation, is administered by an anti-anxiety medication to make you feel more comfortable during your appointment. If you feel pain when eating, have a sensitive gag reflex, or have a hard time getting numb from a local anesthetic, then you’re an ideal candidate for sedation dentistry.
You might also be a candidate for sedation dentistry if you have a hard time feeling physically comfortable in the dentist’s chair. This is especially common for patients with neck and back pain. Whether you want routine teeth whitening or need extensive restorative treatments, you will probably qualify for sedation dentistry at PGA Dentistry!
Who Can Benefit from Sedation Dentistry?
Patients of almost any age can benefit from different forms of sedation dentistry. Teenagers, adults, and seniors with dental anxiety are great candidates for sedation. Typically, children get nitrous oxide for relaxation.
Patients that fear treatments like root canals, wisdom teeth removal, or other oral surgery are also viable candidates for sedation dentistry. It’s also commonly used to relax patients that suffer from general anxiety or other mental illnesses.
Beyond patients with dental anxiety, sedation is also a good option for those who want to get all their work done in one appointment without taking breaks. With sedation dentistry, you can relax and feel at ease during your appointment with the ability to answer questions safely.
Almost any patient can qualify for sedation, but it’s especially helpful in addressing the following conditions:
- Patients who have lived through emotionally traumatic experiences
- Patients with trouble controlling movements
- Patients with pain sensitivity
- Patients with difficulty sitting for long periods
- Patients that are claustrophobic
- Patients with back or neck pain
- Patients with sore jaw muscles
- Patients who don’t feel numbed by local anesthetic
- Patients with time constraints
What Sedation Looks Like in Different Cases
Depending on your condition, the type of dental sedation used will vary. However, the typical sedation treatment will look like the following:
The Initial Consultation
We’ll talk to you about your medical conditions, anxiety levels, and any medication that you take during your initial consultation. Based on your information, we can prescribe the appropriate dose for your unique situation and treatment.
Oral Sedation Medication
Based on your prescription, you will be given an oral pill before your dental treatment. The dental sedation will take effect immediately after you take it. You should plan on having someone drive you to and from your appointment.
Local Anesthetic
Before treatment, you will receive a local anesthetic to make sure you’re completely numb.
Effects of Sedation
The effects of dental sedation will depend on the medication used, the dosage, and the individual patient. In most oral sedation cases, patients will feel drowsy and relaxed. Your breathing, physical and verbal responses, and protective reflexes won’t be altered by sedation. You also won’t remember much of the procedure afterward.
Recovery from Sedation
The effects of moderate dental sedation will wear off within 6-12 hours.
When to Avoid Sedation Dentistry
If you’re allergic to benzodiazepine or are already taking anxiolytics like Valium or Xanax, be sure to discuss this with us before your treatment.
See if You’re a Candidate for Sedation Dentistry at Vero Dental Spa Today
If you feel fearful of going to the dentist, you might be a candidate for sedation dentistry. Talk to us about all your anxieties before your dental treatment so we can comfort you during the experience. Want to learn more about sedation dentistry? Call Vero Dental Spa today for a consultation appointment!
