Sedation dentistry is known as something that’s commonly used to help patients with dental fear or anxiety. But do you know the benefits and other conditions it can assist with? Dr. Angela Wingate of Garner Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, a dentist in Garner, NC, explains.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry involves using medications to help people stay calm and relaxed throughout their dental procedures. At Garner Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer sedation with both nitrous oxide or orally, as well as a method that’s used with both of them together.
Nitrous oxide is probably better known as laughing gas. It’s inhaled through a mask on the nose throughout the procedure. Laughing gas takes effect immediately and wears off fairly quickly, meaning you can drive yourself to and from your appointment. You’ll be relaxed throughout the procedure, but will still be awake and alert enough to answer any questions the dental team may have.
Oral conscious sedation is a step above laughing gas. It comes in the form of a pill prescribed to you that you take about an hour before your procedure. With this form of sedation, you can become so relaxed that you fall asleep or don’t remember sections of your procedure. Since oral sedation often takes a while to wear off, it’s best that you have an escort to and from the dentist’s office.
The Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
As mentioned, sedation dentistry is often used to help relax patients that suffer from a fear of the dentist. Some people have such a severe fear that they avoid regular checkups altogether, meaning that dental problems are left to get worse with time. Sedation dentistry allows people with this fear to get dental care regularly, to hopefully avoid any severe dental problems in the future.
However, if extensive restorative dentistry is required, sedation allows Dr. Wingate to perform multiple procedures in one sitting. She can work more quickly when you’re relaxed and your instincts aren’t fighting her as she tries to take care of your teeth. This is also beneficial to dental anxiety patients as they don’t have to visit the office as much with sedation.
There are people with other conditions that can benefit from sedation dentistry. For instance, if you have a really bad gag reflex, sedation can help you relax the muscles and minimize the gag reflex. Children or those with medical conditions that make it difficult to sit still for long periods of time can get the dental care that they need.
Sedation Dentistry at Your Garner, North Carolina Dentist
Sedation dentistry allows you to keep your oral health at its best. Call us or schedule an appointment online.