Sedation dentistry might be needed when individuals get nervous or anxious at the idea of having to go to the dentist. The condition is called dental anxiety and it can make it difficult for sufferers to get the necessary dental care. In reality, most dental treatments are painless thanks to innovations in dental anesthetics. Understanding sedation dentistry and how it can be beneficial may be helpful to those who fear the dentist.
Sedation dentistry aims to keep patients relaxed during dental appointments. It also helps to prevent them from feeling pain or discomfort while the dentist performs any procedure or routine care. The most common sedative used to combat dental anxiety is nitrous oxide. Better known as laughing gas, it is delivered through a mask and it keeps patients relaxed during treatments. Oral sedatives like Halcion are also commonly used in dentistry to help deal with the anxiety that can develop before getting to the clinic. Reasons patients should consider sedation dentistry include the following:
Some dental procedures are more uncomfortable than others and sedation dentistry can be used to prevent patients from feeling pain. For example, topical anesthetics can be used prior to giving injections to make things easier for patients with a fear of needles.
Sedation dentistry helps adults and children who are scared of dental treatments. The medications used allow patients to remain relaxed during their treatments and some drugs like nitrous oxide, create feelings of euphoria. Sedation dentistry can turn stressful dental visits into pleasant experiences.
Dentists can get more work done when working on sedated patients. This can reduce the number of times patients need to show up for appointments since the dentist is able to get more done. Patients with dental anxiety often require more breaks and interruptions during their treatments due to their inability to remain relaxed.
Dentists have a hard time working on patients with overactive gag reflexes. The medications used to combat dental anxiety can relax patients to the point that an involuntary action like gag reflex is no longer an issue.
The medications used for sedation dentistry wear off within a few hours at the most. Patients might need to arrange for transportation back home, but they should be able to return to their regular routine once the medication wears off. There are no long-term side effects caused by dental sedatives. These drugs can be safely used for children and adults.
Not dealing with dental phobia can lead to significant consequences later on. It gives existing oral issues the ability to worsen and cause more damage.
Sedatives can help manage fears so that routine care can be performed. Call or visit our Killeen clinic to learn more about how our dentist can use sedatives to help you to overcome dental anxiety.
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