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If you are afraid to go to the dentist you can now relax. You no longer have to worry about going to the dentist with the help of sedation dentistry. According to the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation, 30 percent of the population avoids going to the dentist due to fear. This fear prevents patients from receiving necessary routine dental care, which can potentially compromise the health and functionality of their mouth and smile. You can have the beautiful smile and good health that you have always wanted with sedation dentistry. Sedation, what is it and how does it work? 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 There are different types and degrees of dental sedation available. The sedation dentistry technique recommended by your dentist will depend upon the treatment being performed and the degree of your dental anxiety. Your dentist will be able to tell you if you are a candidate for moderate sedation with oral sedatives or nitrous oxide, or deep sedation with intravenous medication. 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. Contact your dentist in Amherst today if you suffer from dental anxiety or phobia. Your Amherst dentist can use the latest advances in sedation dentistry to successfully treat your dental anxiety while performing treatment to maintain your dental health. No longer do you need to avoid going to the dentist.
Sean Hartmen writes for premier Amherst cosmetic dentist, Dr. Robert LaCarruba. A native of Long Island, New York, Dr. LaCarruba received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the State University of New York at Buffalo, School of Dental Medicine in 1996. Dr. LaCarruba, general dentist in Amherst is offering services in veneers, implants, six month braces and sedation.
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