Sedation dentistry uses medication to calm the patient during a dental procedure. Dental anxiety is common and affects nearly 36% of dentist patients. Some patients suffer from dental anxiety, which makes it difficult for the dentist to work on them.
Sedation dentistry is administered in three ways:
- Intravenous (IV) sedation is where sedatives are injected directly into the body,
- Orally, where patients are given sedatives in the form of pills.
- Inhalation, where a gas mask helps the patient inhale nitrous oxide before the procedure.
Five Benefits Of Sedation Dentistry
There are many benefits of sedation dentistry. Some of the most significant benefits are:
Anxiety Relief
One of the most significant advantages of sedation dentistry is relief from anxiety. Most patients, especially children, suffer from dental anxiety. They become hesitant due to some past negative experience or influence from an elder. It becomes difficult for the dentist to perform dental surgery if the patient is restless or jittery. Sedation dentistry allows a nervous patient to feel comfortable during the procedure. It is easier to operate when the patient is unconscious or cannot feel what the dentist is doing.
Reduce Gag Reflex
Having a gag reflex is a good sign. It gives your throat the ability to expel foreign objects. However, this can prove to be a hindrance for the dentist who is performing the surgery. Sometimes dentists need to go inside the mouth to the oral cavity, and a gag reflex prevents it. Excessive gag reflex can damage or injure the patient’s mouth. Sedation dentistry temporarily paralyzes the gag reflex. This way, the dentist can work faster and more efficiently.
Lower Discomfort
Discomfort is one of the main reasons why patients hesitate to visit the dentist. They feel uncomfortable when the dentist drills decayed teeth due to feeling pressure and the noise the machine makes. Similarly, sharp blades and needles make the patient feel queasy.
Sedation dentistry is the best relaxation technique during a dental procedure. The patient cannot feel anything in their mouth during the treatment. This makes it easier for the dentist to carry out the dental procedure.
Provides A Pain-Free Experience
Sedation dentistry provides a painless dental experience for the patient without being unconscious. Chemicals like nitrous oxide are easy to apply on the patient and do not need needles. It relaxes the patient enough and lets the dentist continue the operation. This is one of the many reasons why sedation dentistry is popular.
Simplified & Faster Procedures
Sedation dentistry is best when the dentist must perform multiple dental procedures in the same sitting. The dentist can work faster if they don’t worry about your reaction during the treatment. If the patient is under the influence of sedatives, they won’t squirm while the dentist tries to work.
The Bottom Line
Sedation dentistry has made it convenient for both the dentist and the patient. The level of sedation you need will be determined by the type of treatment you need and the duration of the surgery. Talk to your dentist thoroughly about all your fears and worries. You can also bring a family or a comfort item to make yourself comfortable.
