Sedation Dentistry Offers Dental Health To Those With Dental Anxiety

Worry and stress are deeply ingrained in many people at the mere thought of visiting a dentist. Many people avoid going to a dentist, even when they have dental pain or cavities, choosing to tolerate excruciating pain instead. Many dentists now use a new technique called sedation dentistry in response to these common anxieties. Using this technique, dentists sedate patients before performing dental work to relieve their anxiety, stress, and discomfort. Some patients even feel lengthy dental procedures only takes seconds to finish when sedated.

The following paragraphs detail the sedation dentistry process, the different ways of administering sedatives, who is a good candidate for this technique, and things to consider when seeking a dentist who specializes in sedation.

The Sedation Dentistry Process

Your dentist will first monitor your heart rate and breathing before administering the sedative. He will also keep an eye on your blood pressure to make sure nothing goes wrong after your receive the sedative. Once you have been sedated, your dentist will perform your necessary dental procedures, eliminating any discomfort. When you "wake up," you will usually not remember any part of the dental procedure.

Every Situation Is Different

Sedation dentistry includes a variety of sedation options, like pill form sedatives, I.V. sedation, local anesthesia, and nitrous oxide gas. Many patients opt for local anesthesia so they can stay awake during the dental procedure. Other patients prefer nitrous oxide gas because it allows a patient to stay awake with the effect of simply being less alert. Dentists lacking the training needed to administer I.V. sedation usually provide sedatives in pill form.

Most dentists believe I.V. sedation is the most effective form of sedation. Dentist must receive special training to administer an I.V. sedative, but the patient's level of sedation is more easily controlled than with other forms of sedation. I.V. sedation takes effect immediately, allowing the dentist to get to work fast.

Good Candidates For Sedation Dentistry

Those who experience anxiety in the dentist's chair are good candidates for sedation dentistry. When given I.V. sedation, patients usually fall asleep within seconds and do not wake up until after the dentist has performed the dental procedure. Sedation also works well when a patient needs complicated procedures. In these cases, a dentist usually recommends a certain type of sedative so he can perform the procedures effectively.

Choosing A Sedation Dentist

Make sure your prospective dentist has the certification to administer sedatives, especially I.V. sedatives. In addition, inquire about the sedation training and education of his staff. Ask if he belongs to any dental organizations involved in promoting sedation as these organizations often provide ongoing education and training. Find out how he administers sedatives and whether he recommends and uses I.V. sedation, pill form sedation, local anesthesia, or nitrous oxide gas.

Visiting a Hopkins dentist, or a dentist in another city, doesn't have to be painful. Sedation dentistry helps patients relax without anxiety or pain while receiving the care necessary to good dental health. Whether you are having a tooth extracted, a crown placed, or a root canal performed, now you can leave your dental phobias behind.

About the Author

Christine O'Kelly writes dentistry articles for Shamblott Family Dentistry, a Hopkins sedation dentist specializing in sedation dentistry. This Hopkins dentist also provides oral surgery, state-of-the-art root canals, bridges, and dental implants.

Author Profile: charmen

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