Is Sedation Dentistry Right For Me?

Sedation dentistry is perfect for individuals that are terrified of the dentist. Sedation dentistry is when the dentist uses anesthesia during the dental treatment to put the person in a relaxed state. Sedation dentistry can be a useful tool for many dentists. Dentists also use sedation dentistry when the dental treatment is going to be a prolonged process to put the patient at ease. Here are some common reasons that dentist use sedation.

Patients That Are Unable to Control Movement

There are patients that have a difficult time going to the dentist and undergoing any dental treatment because they are unable to control their movements. Oftentimes it is a child that may need sedation to make sure they do not move during a dental procedure. However, there are some medical conditions that cause people to have uncontrolled movements such as Parkinson's disease. Rather than these patient avoiding dental treatment sedation dentistry can be used to relax and calm their movements.

Dental Anxiety

Many adults and children are terrified of the dentist. They may have had a traumatic experience or just have a natural fear of dental procedures. Sedation dentistry can help someone have a relaxed and comfortable dental procedure. This is important because many individuals will avoid going to the dentist for years. This can cause health issues as well as tooth decay. Some other reasons that lead to dental anxiety are fear of needles, sensitive teeth, and difficulty getting numb.

Extensive Dental Work

Some patients who are having extensive dental work or numerous procedures completed at once may opt for sedation dentistry. Dental implants, porcelain veneers, or a combination of cosmetic dentistry treatments may require sedation.

Who Should Not Have Sedation Dentistry

Patients should consult with their dentist regarding their health issues, allergies to medication, and previous experiences with sedation. If a person has had an adverse reaction to sedation in the past then they should not have sedation dentistry. Additionally, sedation dentistry is typically used on patients over the age of 18. However, if a child needs sedation to have dental treatment there are pediatric sedation dentists to perform the treatment needed.