October 24, 2016

Sedation dentistry is when certain pharmacological agents are used to calm and relax a dental patient prior to their appointment. This can increase patient comfort, help control the gag reflex, increase patient cooperation along with a variety of other benefits. Who is a candidate for sedation dentistry? What kinds of dental appointments most commonly use this procedure? If you want to know more about sedation dentistry, here are a few quick facts.

Types of Sedation

There are a few different levels of sedation available in a dentist’s office. These range from minimal sedation, where you are awake but relaxed, to general anesthesia, where you are completely unconscious. Depending on the kind of procedure you are having and your general level of anxiety, your dentist can recommend the right level of sedation for you.

When Is Sedation Appropriate?

While it is clear you want to be fully sedated for surgical procedures, there are other times when sedation dentistry could be beneficial to you. Even during a routine visit, sedation dentistry can help people who:

  • have a bad gag reflex.
  • have a low pain threshold.
  • have very sensitive teeth.

Basically, any issue that makes it difficult for you to sit through a dental procedure, even nervousness, qualifies you as a candidate for sedation dentistry. Your medical history can also influence this decision.

Important Medical Factors

Certain preexisting medical conditions can make any amount of anesthesia risky. Your dentist should ask about these and other conditions to make sure sedation dentistry is safe for you. One example is obstructive sleep apnea which can lead to anesthesia complications in some people.

Sedation dentistry has helped people handle their dental appointments with confidence and security. For anyone who is nervous about dental appointments or has problems sitting through an entire examination, sedation dentistry may be the solution. If you have questions, be sure to bring them up during your next appointment or contact the Center for Dental Anesthesia today!

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