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If you have a dental phobia, sedation dentistry can be used to help create a relaxing treatment free from anxiety. Sedation dentistry allows those who are too afraid to seek the dental care they need to undergo any number of dental procedures with comfort and ease. This all-too-common dental phobia prevents people from receiving necessary routine dental care, which can potentially compromise the health and functionality of their mouth and smile. If you have a fear of needles or other dental anxieties, as well as those who require complex treatment and would like your treatment performed during a single, pain-free visit, sedation dentistry may be just for you. What is Sedation Dentistry? Sedation dentistry refers to the use of anesthesia during treatment to put patients into a relaxed state, almost like sleep. It is often used during procedures that require an extensive amount of time in the treatment chair, and is ideal for patients who experience dental phobia or have difficulty controlling their movements. Many forms of sedation are used to alleviate anxiety or put patients in a sleep-like state, so that little is felt or remembered from the procedure. Sedation dentistry techniques include:
* Oral conscious sedation
* Intravenous sedation
* Nitrous oxide
The sedation dentistry technique recommended by your dentist will depend upon the treatment being performed and the degree of your dental anxiety. Nitrous Oxide (Light Sedation) Also known as laughing gas, this 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. IV Sedation (Deep 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 can be tailored to meet your individual needs. IV sedation is both highly effective and highly reliable. If you have a dental phobia or gag reflex, it is largely diminished. With IV sedation, you remain conscious through the process, which allows for an easier procedure because your dentist is able to communicate with you. What are the Benefits? One of the main benefits of sedation dentistry is that people often feel like their dental procedure lasts for only a few minutes, when in fact it might have taken hours to perform. Complex dental procedures such as smile makeovers or extensive rebuilding procedures that normally require multiple visits can often be performed in fewer appointments. Since sedation dentistry addresses some of the fears that keep people from going to the dentist on a regular basis, sedation dentistry patients are more likely to receive recommended routine care. As an end result you are less likely to neglect your oral health or allow oral health problems to build to the point when drastic dental treatments become necessary. If you have dental phobias or anxieties consult your Maple Grove dentist about your options for sedation dentistry. You no longer have to fear receiving treatments for your dental ailments.
Sean Hartmen writes for Drs. Francis and Mazhary of Grove Health Dental, cosmetic dentists in Maple Grove. Offering the highest level of dental care for patients of every age, this dentist in Maple Grove offers services in most phases of dentistry including, family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, sedation, implants and Invisalign.
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