A significant number of Americans do not visit the dentist for regular checkups because they are too fearful or suffer from dental anxiety or are simply too sensitive to get treatment comfortably. Sedation dentistry offers an excellent way to provide a safe, anxiety-free, dental experience to those who are afraid of the dentist.
Sedation dentistry is often mistakenly thought to induce sleep. In fact, most sedatives allow the patient to stay awake during the procedure. Sleepiness is a side effect of some medications, but nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation only work to calm anxiety throughout the dental visit.
Sedation dentistry is popular because most sedatives can be taken by mouth, meaning no injections, no anxiety and no pain. Some sedatives work so effectively that even the smells and details of the procedure cannot be recalled afterwards. Safety and compliance are two important aspects of treatments, so sedation dentistry offers both the individual and the dentist the best alternative.
Whatever the form of sedative, it is essential to be accompanied by a “caregiver.” Sometimes, sedatives are provided the night before the dental visit, which means that driving to or from the appointment is not allowed.
Oral conscious sedation is quite safe, but I suggest a cross-referenced data base search of all your medications to identify any possible complications. As well, all vitals and reactions should be monitored and noted by a trained sedation assistant and that assistant should remain in the operatory at all times.
Here are some advantages associated with oral conscious sedation dentistry:
• Anxiety is alleviated.
• Few side effects.
• More can be accomplished during each visit.
• No needles.
• No pain.
• Perfectly safe.
• Can be combined with Nitrous and Alpha-Stim to further aid in anxiety management
• Procedures feel like they take less time.
• Easily reversed if sedation level is too profound.
If you are a person that has avoided dental visits due to fear or have had poor dental experiences, oral conscious sedation may be the solution for you. Give us a call we would love to help.
