For some, odontophobia, or fear of dentists, is more than a convenient excuse to opt out of a regular routine check-up. The extreme anxiety associated with a visit to the dentist is enough to keep people away from professional oral care for a lifetime. We all know how dangerous neglecting your oral health can be. From gingivitis to oral cancer, your dental team is the first line of defense for a happy mouth. Sedation dentistry is the best solution, easing patient anxieties and fears so they can benefit from the necessary health care the dentist has to offer. As the name suggests, sedation dentistry uses medications to help a patient reach the relaxed state necessary for the dentist to proceed with their dental procedure. Sedatives are usually used to relieve anxiety, stress, and promote a relaxing, anxiety-free experience. Outside of helping individuals overcome their anxieties surrounding dental visits, sedation dentistry offers several benefits for both dentists and patients alike.
Pain Free
Patients under sedation have an increased pain threshold, which allows the dentist to perform complicated procedures with little or no anesthesia. Limiting the use of anesthesia can also result in lesser fees.
Appointments Feel Lightening Fast
People often comment that when under sedation their appointment seemingly lasted only a few minutes, when in fact it may have taken hours.
Longer Procedures = Fewer Appointments
Under sedation, you are able to endure longer sessions without discomfort and the exhaustion of keeping your mouth open for long periods of time. This means the dentist can work more easily and do a more thorough job, in essence decreasing the number of required visits per year. Complex procedures that normally last over a period of several appointments can be completed in one, saving you time and money. As with any medical procedure, however, there are a few associated risks. Most important to note, the biggest risk involves taking other medications. A patient taking other medications may experience unusual side effects if sedated. We recommend full disclosure of medical history, including medicines taken, be made with the dentist before undergoing sedation dentistry.
For more information, or to find out if Sedation Dentistry is the right option for you, contact Denistry on 7 today for a complimentary consultation.