Dental anxiety is a great way to deal with fears related to dental treatment. Read on to learn more about sedation in dentistry. While it may seem scary at first, sedation is safe; it comes in different levels, some of which allow the patient to be fully awake during treatment. This article discusses the role sedation plays in helping patients deal with dental anxiety.
Dental sedation is not right for everyone, but it helps many who have dental anxiety overcome their concerns and get the care they need. You can learn more about dental anxiety sedation by discussing treatment with a dentist, but the following is a brief overview of what is and when it might be recommended.
Dental anxiety sedation involves administering a drug to help patients relax during dental treatment. There are different types of dental sedation. Some produce a minor effect and wear off quickly after use and others are much stronger. The most notable types of dental anxiety sedation are:
General anesthesia is rarely used in dentistry and is typically reserved only for certain oral surgery procedures. Nitrous oxide, which is commonly referred to as “laughing gas” due to its ability to help the patient relax, is the mildest form. IV and oral sedatives are stronger than nitrous oxide but still relatively mild compared to general anesthesia.
Dental sedation is recommended when a procedure could cause a moderate to more severe level of discomfort for the patient. Patients with dental anxiety may benefit from sedation even for less invasive procedures, as well. This helps many with dental anxiety feel better during treatment, especially those who may have a fear of the sound or feel of dental instruments, claustrophobic feelings, or fear of unexpected pain.
Sedation is just one of the ways that dentists can help people with dental anxiety. In addition to also offering a welcoming environment and friendly staff, other accommodations can be made. For example, a dentist may arrange for a set of hand signals the patient can use to communicate during treatment. Wearing headphones during treatment may be an option, as well.
Dental anxiety is safe for patients, but it may not be the ideal solution for everyone. The best way to determine whether dental anxiety sedation is right for you is to discuss all sedative options during a consultation. The dentist and their staff can explain the pros and cons of each option.
No one should have to feel as if they cannot receive regular dental services due to their anxiety. If you (or your child) are dealing with dental anxiety and want to find out more about our sedation options and when they may be recommended, then call our team or send us a message today.
Are you considering dental anxiety sedation in the Dallas area? Get more information at https://www.highlandsdentaldallas.com.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Anxiety in Dallas, TX.
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