Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for people to feel so anxious about dental appointments that they avoid them. Whether you’re nervous about basic visits like checkups and cleanings or are dreading an upcoming procedure like a root canal, your dentist can alleviate your worry with different sedation options. These medications can help you feel calm and comfortable the entire time your dentist works, but that’s not all they do. Keep reading to learn about 5 additional advantages of sedation dentistry!
Benefit #1: There Are Choices
Many dentists offer more than one option for sedation so that if you’re not a good candidate for one, you likely can use another. Although it varies depending on your provider, some of the types include:
- Nitrous Oxide Sedation: Also known as laughing gas, this is the most widely used method and is great for patients with mild anxiety or minor procedures. Your dentist administers it through a mask that’s placed over your nose so that you inhale it with each breath. It can induce a happy sensation that can reduce your worry while increasing your pain tolerance.
- Oral Conscious Sedation: Your dentist will prescribe this pill and instruct you to swallow it before you arrive for your visit. That gives the drug plenty of time to kick in before your dentist begins the procedure. You’ll likely need someone to drive you to your appointment and back home if you’re using this medication.
Benefit #2: Expedited Procedures
If you’re stressed the entire time you’re in the dentist’s chair, you might be there for longer. Your dentist is better able to do their job when patients are relaxed and compliant than when they’re restless and fidgety. That means using a sedative can reduce the length of your procedure, so you’ll be done sooner.
Benefit #3: Calm, But Conscious
The medications used are given in doses that put you into a foggy state so that your mind and body don’t register discomfort, but usually won’t put you to sleep. You’ll still be able to breathe on your own as well as both listen to and respond to your dentist’s instructions. However, you may not remember much of the procedure after the fact.
Benefit #4: Quick Recovery
Typically, you can expect the medication to wear off relatively quickly once your treatment is completed. For example, the effects of nitrous oxide last as long as you’re inhaling it but dissipate within minutes once the mask is removed. Oral conscious sedation takes a few hours to wear off, but you should be back to normal after a good night’s rest.
Benefit #5: Surrender Safely
The medications used for sedation dentistry have minimal side effects when they are provided by an expert like your dentist. Most providers are highly trained professionals who are qualified to administer them, so you can trust you’re in good hands.
Now that you know more about sedation dentistry, you can confidently schedule your next appointment without worrying about the outcome!
About the Practice
At Amaze Dental, patients of all ages benefit from two experts who offer a full array of services, including sedation dentistry. They believe in treating everyone with integrity and respect and take the time to get to know you as a result. Their compassionate approach is combined with state-of-the-art technology to enhance patient comfort while providing individualized solutions to meet your unique needs. They utilize both nitrous oxide as well as oral conscious sedation so that you can feel comfortable throughout your visit, regardless of the reason for it. You’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (972) 230-1100.