Taking the Fear Out of Dental Care with Advanced Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry is exactly what its sounds like it is: a dental treatment option designed to relax patients so they are less anxious during procedures. It allows people who are stressed, anxious, or afraid of dental work to get the procedures they need. It is an important part of dentistry because dental phobia is very prevalent and real. In fact, it is estimated that almost 30 percent of all people have dental phobia to some degree.
Sedation dentistry does not always involve the patient going to sleep completely. In fact, there are many methods of sedation that dentist use to calm patients who are afraid of dental work. The idea behind this practice isn’t necessarily to knock a fearful patient out cold, it is predominantly to clam, relax, and put that patient at ease. This involves the use of a variety of sedatives including popular options like nitrous oxide and anti-anxiety medications.
A dentist can administer sedatives using a variety of different techniques. Many dentists administer sedatives via an IV before starting any dental work. Others choose injections of their preferred sedative. Oral medications and inhalants are also common options. In fact, oral sedation is the most commonly used sedation dentistry method in the United States right now.
There are some negative aspects associated with sedation dentistry. First and foremost, it can be pricey and it isn’t always covered by insurance. Whether or not your insurance covers sedation will depend on the procedure that is performed while you are sedated. In addition to this, when you use sedation during your dental work, you will need someone to accompany you. Dentists do not allow patients to drive themselves home after they have been sedated.
All that said, if you have a true dental phobia, the positives far out weigh the negatives in this matter. Without sedation dentistry many would suffer extreme dental neglect, but thanks to this option they are able to receive the care they need.
If dental phobia or a low tolerance for pain has kept you from visiting the dentist, sedation dentistry may be the solution for you. With dental sedation, patients can receive dental implants, porcelain dental veneers, and many other treatments without fear.
Article Source: Taking the Fear Out of Dental Care with Advanced Sedation Dentistry
