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Do you find yourself wanting to sprint out of the door of the dental office? Does the thought of receiving treatment, even for routine care, send shivers down your spine? Anxiety disorders, which include phobias, panic attacks, generalized anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD), are serious conditions with oral health implications that can be treated with a variety of methods. Sedation dentistry is used to provide patients with a relaxing and anxiety-free dental experience. It allows individuals who are too afraid to go to the dentist to receive the dental care they need while dodging dental phobia. This fear often prevents patients from receiving necessary routine dental care, which compromises the health and functionality of your mouth and smile. You can have the beautiful smile and good health that you have always wanted with sedation dentistry. Oral Conscious Sedation Most commonly, oral sedation is prescribed for relieving anxiety in the hours immediately before a dental appointment. Sedative medication helps relax patients by slowing the action of the central nervous system. People remain aware of their surroundings, but are less responsive to external stimuli. Among other things, the use of oral sedation helps to reduce your sense of pain. Sedatives are given to patients in a variety of ways, including by mouth or under the tongue. The vast majority of those receiving sedation within the dental office will take the medication orally. After taking the sedatives, you may feel calmer and more relaxed. Nitrous Gas Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is a very safe and mild gas that allows people to feel less apprehensive during treatment. This is one of the most commonly used techniques administered by a dentist during conscious sedation. The goal of using nitrous oxide is to eliminate dental anxiety, making you more comfortable while your dentist is able to effectively and efficiently complete your treatment. Nitrous oxide is used by dentists as a sedation method for simple tooth extractions, root canals, dental inlays, oral surgery and other various options. Nitrous oxide is used by dentists as a sedation method for all dental procedures. It is extremely safe and effective for children, as well. IV Sedation IV sedation is both safe and effective creating such a comfortable experience that most patients may not even remember their visit to the office. IV sedation induces a state of deep relaxation and a feeling of not being bothered about what is going on around you. The onset of action with IV sedation is very rapid and the dosage is carefully tailored to meet your individual needs. IV sedation is both highly effective and highly reliable. If you have a dental phobia or a strong gag reflex, it is effective to allow you to have dental care. With IV sedation, you remain conscious through the process, which allows for an easier procedure because your dentist is able to communicate with you. You just won't have much memory of having been at the dentist. It is important to talk with your dentist regarding your dental fears and the methods available to reduce pain and anxieties. With proper planning and consultation, your dentist will work with you to create an appropriate treatment plan, including the use of sedation methods to manage any concerns you have. If you are hesitant to change the appearance of your smile because you are afraid or anxious about undergoing complicated procedures, sedation dentistry can help make you feel comfortable and relaxed during your treatment, allowing you to achieve the smile you have always desired. Contact your sedation dentist in Ann Arbor today to discuss sedation dentistry and how it can help calm your fears.
Sean Hartmen writes for leading Ann Arbor family dentist, Dr. James Lee. Voted the number one dentist in Washtenaw County in 2009 by readers of Current and Parent Magazines, Dr. Lee, family dentist in Ann Arbor, is committed to providing quality dental care for his patients. Dr. Lee and his team of professionals provide services for veneers, Botox and implants.
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