Many individuals avoid seeking dental care out of fear or anxiety associated with receiving treatment. Some evade dental services based on previous experiences, while others have an aversion to the sights, smells and sounds of a dental office. However, lack of necessary and routine dental visits only leads to greater oral complications and an inability to treat oral problems early on.
Dental Sedation Services Relieve Fear and Anxiety
Dentists provide varying dental sedation services depending on the level of fear and anxiety experienced by a patient along with the type of procedure being performed, circumstances affecting the ability to receive treatment and any behavioral considerations. For instance, someone with mild anxiety may benefit from receiving nitrous oxide, while an individual who requires multiple procedures and is unable to keep the mouth open for long periods of time might be administered IV conscious sedation or general anesthesia. Consider the following types of sedation dentistry services:
- Oral Sedation: By taking sedative medication prescribed by the dentist prior to the appointment, the patient feels relaxed and unconcerned about the dental procedure throughout treatment.
- IV Conscious Sedation: IV (intravenous) dental sedation allows patients to receive sedating medication throughout the procedure. Though patients are “conscious” during treatment, they typically do not recall details of the visit.
- Nitrous Oxide: Inhaled through a nasal mask throughout treatment, nitrous oxide gas is odorless, colorless and fast-acting. Patients typically experience a sense euphoria and relaxation, with no lingering side effects.
- Local Anesthetic: Prior to beginning certain procedures, dentists administer local anesthetic solutions to numb areas receiving treatment. Patients experience no discomfort throughout the procedure, and the numbness wears off a few hours after administration.
- General Anesthetic: A method inducing full, unconscious sedation, general anesthesia services are often provided by licensed anesthesiologists. However, some dental professionals receive the education, training and licensure to offer this service to patients in the dental facility. To ensure complete comfort for the patient, local anesthesia is typically used in combination with some of the dental sedation methods listed here. Medical history is also reviewed and taken into consideration prior to administering sedation dentistry services.
Are You a Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?
If generalized fear, embarrassment, extreme mouth sensitivity or other factors are keeping you from improving your oral health, you may be a candidate for dental sedation services. To learn more about the options and discuss your dental concerns, contact your dentist for a sedation consultation today.Don’t Be Stressed by Dental Anxiety
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