Relieve Your Dental Anxiety With Sedation Dentistry

Do you suffer from dental anxiety? Is dental fear always keep you away from receiving the timely dental care you need? Dental anxiety is a common condition millions of people face worldwide. It is the fear of going to the dentist, and this fear can come from previous traumatic experiences, fear of pain, or fear of embarrassment. Dental anxiety can keep you from getting the treatment you need to maintain a healthy smile. An answer to this common problem is sedation dentistry. Let's see what sedation dentistry means and what it involves.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is the practice of using sedative medications to help patients relax during their dental appointments. 

Benefits of Sedation entistry

Sedation dentistry helps patients who are nervous or anxious at their dental appointments. Some patients have a fear of the dentist, while others are anxious because they struggle to relax.

Sedation dentistry also allows patients to receive more procedures in a single visit. For patients who are experiencing pain or who have multiple oral health issues, sedation dentistry can help save time.

What Are The Different Sedation Options Available?

There are several types of sedation available, including nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia. 

• Oral sedation

In oral sedation, a sedative, usually in the form of a pill, is given to the patient about an hour before the procedure. The sedative works quickly, so by the time the appointment arrives, the patient feels drowsy and at ease. During the procedure, the patient stays awake. However, they will not feel any pain, and they may be so drowsy that they are unable to remember anything about the procedure.

• Nitrous oxide

Dentists use nitrous oxide, also called laughing gas, to relieve anxiety for patients during dental procedures. This form of sedation creates a calm feeling throughout the patient's body. However, once the procedure is finished, the patient will return to normal.

• Intravenous sedation

Intravenous sedation, also known as IV sedation, involves the use of a needle inserted into a vein. From there, the IV sedative is administered. This form of sedation dentistry is sometimes referred to as sleep dentistry, though patients typically remain awake throughout the treatment.

• General anesthesia

With general anesthesia, you sleep through an entire procedure. Your mouth is numbed, and your breathing is monitored. 

Is Sedation Dentistry Right For Me?

Many patients with dental anxiety or dental phobia can receive the dental care they need with sedation dentistry. Sedation dentistry isn't right for everyone, however. Patients who have severe sleep apnea, for example, may not be good candidates for sedation dentistry.

Visit Beautiful Dentistry at 2125 E Warner Rd #101, Tempe, AZ 85284, or call us at (480) 831-1700 to book an appointment for your dental treatments.