Reasons to Consider Sedation Dentistry​​​​​​​

Reasons to Consider Sedation Dentistry​​​​​​​

Date Published:
11-16-2017​​​​​​​

If the thought of visiting the dentist fills you with dread, you most certainly aren’t alone. It is estimated that as many as 15% of the U.S. population actively avoid visiting their dentist due to fear or anxiety. Unfortunately, this means that a large number of patients are suffering from poor dental health and as a result, may be living with a range of unpleasant symptoms from pain and bad breath to loss of the function of their teeth, as well as in some circumstances, loss of the teeth themselves. In severe cases, poor oral health can also contribute to a range of other problems with your health and wellbeing. In fact, untreated dental diseases have been linked to conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s and even stroke. What better reason do you need to get your teeth checked out on a regular basis?


Unfortunately, we know that this isn’t something that is easy for people with dental anxiety or phobia. The symptoms that you can suffer can be extreme, ranging from sweaty palms and shaking to full-blown hysteria and even fainting. Not only is a visit to the dentist a huge obstacle for the patient, it can be extremely difficult for your dentist too. Despite immense knowledge, and years of training and experience, it can be extremely difficult for a dentist to perform thorough examinations on frightened patients who may find it virtually impossible to sit still when necessary. Moving during a dental examination or treatment can put the patient at increased risk of something going wrong.
 

Thankfully, sedation dentistry can help even the most anxious and phobic patient to feel relaxed and calm at the dentist.
 

What is sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry, also sometimes known as sleep dentistry, uses medications to help patients relax enough so that dental procedures can be performed safely. There are various different types of sedation that can be used, ranging from a mild, sedative gas that is inhaled, to heavy sedatives that are administered intravenously. In almost types of sedation, the patient is awake to some degree while the procedure is being carried out. The only exception to this is the use of a general anesthetic, which ensures that the patient is unconscious for the duration of their surgery.
 

Why choose sedation dentistry?

There are several reasons to consider sedation dentistry to aide you during your dental appointments.


Less pain

While sedation medications don’t actually contain anything to block your pain, being less anxious will generally increase your tolerance to discomfort. However, almost all dental procedures will come with anesthetic in addition to the sedation as standard.
 

Increased safety

Reducing your stress level means that you will be calmer and less likely to panic and move during your treatment. This drastically improves the safety of your procedure and reduces the risk of complications. Unless you have a general anesthetic, you will also still have the capability to communicate to your dentist, so you can let them know if you require additional pain relief, or if you have any other problems while the treatment is underway.
 

Better quality dental treatment

If you are stressed and worried, your dentist will be stressed and worried, and may feel under pressure to get the work completed and out of the way as soon as possible. This means that the quality of the check-up or treatment may be slightly compromised. However, if you are relaxed and calm, your dentist will be able to work more effectively and ensure that you get the very best quality dental care during your visit.
 

More convenient

Sitting with your mouth propped open can quickly become very uncomfortable. Therefore, many dentists who are working on patients who aren’t sedated are often limited to performing just one treatment at a time. However, when the patient is sedated it allows the dentist to work with greater precision much more quickly, meaning that it may be possible to combine two or more treatments into just one appointment!

 

If you would like to find out more about the reasons to consider sedation dentistry, contact your Arlington Dentistry by Design's office today. They will be happy to help you find the best path to improved, stress-free oral health.