What is sedation dentistry

Visiting the dentist can spur worry or fear for some people. The thought of the shrill sound of the dentist's drill or needles poking through your gums may be enough to cause anxiety, preventing you from visiting the dentist. If this scenario seems acquainted, then sedation dentistry is a good option for you.

Sedation dentistry is a method of keeping patient relaxed and calm with the help of sedatives during the dental treatment. Some of the sedatives include anti-anxiety medications, nitrous oxide and tranquilizers. Earlier, it was common to manage sedatives through the IV or intravenous method. In this method the sedative is injected to the blood vessels of either hand or arm. Now again, needles can create more anxiety to the patient. Thankfully, medical advancements have helped create alternatives for taking in sedatives without any injection. Patients can choose oral sedation technique or inhalation sedation.

Numerous things are involved in sedation dentistry, and here we are discussing a few of them. At the time of pre-treatment consultation, the dentist will check your dental history, the anxiety levels and other health factors. Dentist pays huge attention to know about your medical condition. As some sedatives may react in a certain manner to food supplements, vitamins, drinking or smoking, details about dietary habits and lifestyle choices need to be discussed during a consultation.

The dentist will also advise you on what you can and can't eat before and after the treatment. After knowing everything about you, your dentist will decide what type and dosage of sedative to prescribe to the patient. Sometimes after the treatment, you might need help of a friend or family member who can take you home. However, effects of sedation dentistry may vary from one patient to another. Some may feel sedated for a few hours after the procedure, needing help at home until the effects diminish.

Sedation dentistry offers several benefits in several ways. Lengthy procedure like cosmetic dentistry or dental surgeries can be done more speedily when patient is under sedation. It can also decrease the number of visits or sittings in which these complicated procedures can be done. Additionally, sedation dentistry improves the confidence level of the patient as nervousness is kept at bay through the painless treatment. Encouraging more visits to the dentist and finally promoting a routine of proper dental practices for the patient.

Maintaining proper oral health need not to be an uncomfortable experience. Consult us today to know about sedation dentistry.

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