Easing Your Fears About Sedation Dentistry

It is common for patients to assume that sedation dentistry is restricted for those that have long, complicated dental treatments ahead of them, suffer from extreme anxiety or have a medical condition such as autism or Alzheimer’s that makes it difficult to sit still during an exam. While all of these are certainly reasons to choose sedation during dental appointments, there a number of other reasons that using light sedation may be beneficial. Most dentists do not have a pre-requisite for being able to use sedation dentistry. What matters most is that you get the dental work done. If you are avoiding your six-month exams because you have any level of fear or anxiety over the dentist, then you may benefit from sedation dentistry. Up to 15% of Americans report they have dental anxiety. Sedation dentistry can be the solution for these sufferers to get the dental care they need. After all, we do know that neglecting your oral health leads to many overall health problems, some of which are serious medical conditions.

Another misconception that people have about sedation dentistry is that it involves a deep, sleep-like state. While there are many forms of sleep dentistry, most involve a light sedation technique that enables patients to speak and interact with the dentist during the treatment. Choosing Nitrous Oxide, a popular sedation dentistry, means you can even drive yourself home after you appointment if needed.

Gilreath Family Dentistry offers two forms for Sedation during dental work, Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas) and Oral Conscious Sedation using a medicine that you swallow. Nitrous Oxide is given to patients by way of a nosepiece and provides a very comfortable level of sedation. This form of sedation goes away immediately after you stop breathing it. Oral sedative medications are also effective. They cause patients to become drowsy and even fall asleep. With oral sedatives, patients are still easily awakened. However, unlike Nitrous Oxide, patients who choose to take oral sedative medication will not be able to drive home. Whether your fear of dental work is a mild anxiety that causes your palms to sweat, a paralyzing fear or an overly sensitive gag reflux, ask your dentist about sedation dentistry. It may be your answer to making sure you stay on top of your oral health.