Sedation dentistry is a technique that has been utilized for decades. It includes the use of sedative medications to calm patients so that they can undergo dental procedures such as root canal greenville sc or traditional cleanings with ease.
If you are experiencing chronic pain or nervousness associated with the thought of visiting the dentist or an oral surgeon, sedation dentistry is a safe and effective method that can help you relax.
Why Consider Sedation Dentistry
Below are some reasons why you should consider sedation dentistry:
Sedation dentistry sedations help people feel more comfortable and less anxious about getting dental work done
While most adults look forward to their annual checkups, some individuals develop an intense fear of visiting the dentist because of bad experiences in the past. With sedation dentistry, patients can feel calm and relaxed while also diminishing their sensitivity to pain during dental procedures.
Sedation dentistry allows you to complete lengthy dental procedures in a single session instead of multiple visits.
An individual who is very anxious about getting dental work done might need sedation dentistry during each visit so that he or she can tolerate the pain and anxiety associated with the procedure.
Sedation dentistry helps reduce bleeding from IV access sites following treatments.
The sedative medications used during sedation dentistry sedations reduce the sensation of pain associated with needle sticks, thereby making it easier to insert IV catheters and access ports.
These devices are then usually connected to sedation dentistry sedations in order to provide fluids or medications directly into a patient’s bloodstream.
Sedation Dentistry: Key Things to Keep in Mind
When considering sedation dentistry, below are some crucial things to keep in mind:
- Before getting sedation dentistry, you will need to inform your dentist about any medical conditions you might have so they can choose a sedative that’s right for you. This is especially true if you have medical conditions such as blood pressure problems, bleeding disorders, heart disease, and breathing difficulties.
- There are many different sedation dentistry methods available, making it possible to choose a particular type of sedation based on your specific needs.
- Sedatives used during sedation dentistry might affect how you react to certain sights and sounds, so it’s important that no sudden or startling noises startle the patients during the procedure as it might increase your anxiety level.
- Some sedatives may take longer than normal to wear off, so it is best not to get behind the wheel of a car or operate heavy machinery after the procedure. In all cases, sedation dentistry must be administered by a dentist or an oral surgeon who has undergone specific training using sedatives.
- As a rule, sedation dentistry should not be used in place of general anesthesia. If needed, seek further advice from your dentist on whether this type of dental procedure would be appropriate for your case.
- Some sedatives might require you to completely refrain from eating or drinking before your appointment. If this is the case, speak with your doctor about when it is acceptable to eat or drink after being sedated.
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
The following are some of the enticing benefits of sedation dentistry:
- There are many benefits to choosing dental sedation. Aside from allowing you to relax and have a positive experience, sedation dentistry can also facilitate easier access to hard-to-reach areas of your mouth.
- Since sedation dentistry is administered by a trained professional, there is no risk of dependency. In addition, sedation dentistry can significantly reduce the amount of pain associated with dental work.
- If you need dental treatment that requires conscious sedation but want to stay alert so that you can feel and remember what is happening, ask your doctor about intermediate sedation. This type of sedation will allow you to be aware enough during your dental appointment to participate in the decision-making process without causing any unwanted sedation side effects.
- Some sedations are more effective and last longer than others, so be sure to discuss your sedation needs with your dentist before you undergo sedation dentistry. Your questions should include:
- Does the sedative used during sedation cause memory loss?
- How long will the sedative be active in my system?
- Will I remember anything from today’s procedure?
- Can I drive myself home after my dental appointment?
After undergoing a series of dental appointments, how long will it take before I’m able to return to work?
