Who Is a Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?

Not many people look forward to visiting the dentist’s office. However, most will tolerate regular cleanings and dental procedures. Do you have anxiety about undergoing dental work that makes you consider not visiting your dentist at all? If you do, you should know that there are options that can make your dental appointments pain-free and anxiety-free.

 

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

This type of dentistry focuses on relieving pain and anxiety through sedation. If you experience dental phobia, you should not wait until you are experiencing unbearable anxiety before visiting your dentist. An experienced dentist can help you with any fears or concerns you may have.

 

Sedation dentistry can help anxious patients relax in the dentist’s office. That way, they can receive the dental care they need to achieve and/or maintain a healthy smile. There are three forms of sedation dentistry.

 

These are IV sedation, oral sedation, and laughing gas. All three have their place within various dental procedures. However, your medical history and other factors will help your dentist determine the right option for you.

 

Are You a Good Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?

As stated earlier, sedation dentistry is a form of dentistry involving the administration of drugs that help patients remain calm and pain-free during dental procedures. Studies by the American Dental Association suggest that up to 22 percent of adults in the U.S. avoid visiting a dentist due to fear. If this applies to you as well, you might be a good candidate for sedation dentistry.

 

Other characteristics of good candidates for this form of dentistry include:

 

You Usually Experience Extreme Pain During Dental Procedures

Some people with certain dental problems, such as sensitive teeth and gums, experience pain during most dental procedures. If dental work is usually painful for you, you may avoid visiting your dentist due to the associated pain. Fortunately, sedation methods exist that can make all dental procedures painless. Feel free to consult your dentist about sedation dentistry to determine whether it is the right option for you.

 

The Need for a Long Dental Procedure

One of the main limiting factors in the amount of dental work you can get done in a single appointment is your comfort. Since sedation will help keep you relaxed, pain-free, and able to tolerate longer procedures, sedation dentistry may be a good option. It will allow your dentist to complete more work in a single session than he or she can in a typical visit.

 

You Have a Strong Gag Reflex or Hate the Sounds and Smells in the Dentist’s Office

Do you find the sound of the dentist’s drill or the smell of gloves disturbing or uncomfortable? Does your strong gag reflex embarrass you, or prohibit you from getting work done? If the sensory experiences of your dentist’s office disturb you or make you anxious, oral sedation is a great option. It will help you maintain good dental health without the associated annoyances and anxieties.

 

You Do Not Like Being Fully Unconscious

Sedation dentistry is also ideal for people who want minimal anesthesia without being completely unconscious. Many people feel anxious about being fully unconscious and vulnerable. In this case, oral sedation is the best option because it is usually moderate or minimal. You will be awake but groggy and relaxed.


 

To learn more about sedation dentistry or to book an appointment, call Clarity Dental Center at our office in Federal Way, Washington at (253) 799-1490 today.