How Sedation Dentistry Can Help You Get the Smile You Want
One of the greatest hindrances to excellent dental care is anxiety and phobia. You would be surprised how many people, including adults, cannot go through even simple dental procedures because of anxiety or phobias. As such, many people have settled for less-than-desirable smiles because they cannot face a dentist near you. The good news is that you can rely on sedation dentistry to get the smile of your dreams without pain or discomfort.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
It is a dental practice where dentists in Columbia use sedatives to help patients relax and remain calm during dental procedures. Sedation dentistry in Columbia is sometimes called “sleep dentistry,” although patients are usually not fully unconscious during treatments.
Dentists near you have employed sedation dentistry for many dental procedures, from simple cleanings to more complex treatments like tooth extraction, root canals, or dental surgeries.
How Does Sedation Dentistry Work?
The level of sedation can range from mild to deep depending on the patient’s needs and the procedure. It also impacts the type of sedative that a dentist chooses for treatment. The types of sedatives dictate how the sedation process will occur and affect the level of sedation. They include the following:
- Inhaled sedation: It entails using a face mask to inhale laughing gas. The gas produces a sense of relaxation and euphoria and can benefit adults and children.
- Oral sedation: It involves taking a sedative in pill form, usually about an hour before the procedure. The medication causes you to feel drowsy and relaxed during the treatment and can benefit adults and children.
- IV sedation: It involves administering medication directly into the bloodstream through the veins. IV sedation is ideal for more complex procedures and dental emergencies because it works fast. It is also the sedation dentistry near you that dentists employ for patients who need a deeper level of sedation.
- General anesthesia: It involves a deep sleep where you are unconscious during the procedure. Dentists in Columbia typically reserve it for more intricate and prolonged dental surgeries or patients with high anxiety or fear of dental treatment.
Who Needs Sedation Dentistry?
Anyone can benefit from sedation dentistry. It depends on your initial oral state and preferences. Some situations where sedation dentistry is necessary are:
- Dental anxiety or phobia – sedation dentistry may help you relax and feel more comfortable during the procedure.
- Fear of needles – sedation dentistry can be administered in other forms, such as inhaled laughing gas or oral medication.
- Strong gag reflex – sedation dentistry helps you remain calm and prevent gagging during your procedure.
- Complex dental procedure – sedation dentistry is quite resourceful for complex dental procedures, such as root canals, dental implants, or wisdom teeth removal.
- Special needs patients, such as autism, cerebral palsy, or other conditions may require extra help remaining still and calm during dental procedures. it applies even for patients with metal conditions like depression.
Still, note that not all dental procedures require sedation. The decision to use sedation should be based on your needs and preferences.
The Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
If you still need convincing that sedation dentistry at Kids First Dental – Columbia is worthwhile, consider the following benefits:
- Reduced Anxiety and Discomfort – sedation dentistry can help reduce anxiety and fear associated with dental procedures, especially due to negative experiences in the past.
- Time Efficiency – Sedation dentistry makes dental procedures faster and more efficient. When sedated, you are more likely to remain still, making it easier for the dentist to complete the treatment in a shorter period.
- Improved Oral Health – Generally, sedation dentistry improves the overall outcome of dental procedures to optimize dental health.
- Increased Comfort – Patients with a low pain threshold, sensitive teeth, or a strong gag reflex may find it more comfortable to undergo treatment with sedation.
- Increased Access to Dental Care – Sedation dentistry improves your general experience with dentists and Treatments, encouraging future interactions with dental experts about oral health.