Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

by Kevin Smith Author

Going to the dentist can be cause for anxiety in patients that ranges from mild to severe. Unfortunately, those that suffer from severe anxiety about dental procedures can be so paralyzed by the thought of the dentist that they often avoid getting the care they need, which results in serious health problems. Fortunately, a Fairbanks dentist can offer sedation dentistry, which offers numerous benefits to an anxious patient.

Different Levels of Sedation

One benefit of sedation dentistry is that the dentist will usually have different levels of sedation to offer, depending on the severity of the anxiety. Some patients may need help relaxing, which can be achieved with the use of nitrous oxide, or laughing gas. Some patients may need oral sedation medications that can cause deeper relaxation. IV sedation is generally used for the most anxious patients who need to be relaxed enough to result in no worry or memory about the dental procedure, without being put to sleep.

Problems Addressed

Many patients experience anxiety when visiting the dentist, but this anxiety isn't always caused by the same fear. Some patients may have a sensitive gag reflex that makes it difficult for the dentist to perform even the simplest of procedures. Other have phobias of the needle or the sounds of tools, particularly drills. Some patients may need sedation simply because of the unpleasant taste or smells they experience in the office, while others may actually have difficulty getting numb so they fear the possibility of pain they'll have during the procedure. No matter what the cause of the anxiety is, sedation can help relax those fears regardless of experiences with previous dental procedures.

Patients with Disabilities

Sedation dentistry isn't just beneficial for people with anxiety or phobias. It's also beneficial for patients who may have physical or mental disabilities that make it difficult to sit still or hold the mouth open. Those who are unable to cooperate due to mental disabilities can still get the dental care they need through the use of sedation dentistry.

Ease of Treatment

Sedation dentistry can make the entire treatment process easier for the patient, dentist, and parents. The treatment can be done more quickly with less risk of problems when the patient is relaxed. The dentist can work efficiently without worry of patient anxiety or discomfort, and the patient is also less likely to feel as much anxiety when it comes time to visit their Fairbanks dentist again.