subject: Sedation Dentistry Helps You Smile Bigger And Brighter Without Fear [print this page] Many people experience fear or anxiety before visiting the dentist. However, some experience great fear that distracts them from receiving necessary treatment. Going to the dentist shouldn't be a stressful experience, yet many people dread the thought of undergoing a lengthy dental procedure, which in turn leads to an evasion of the dentist all together. Avoiding routine check ups and cleanings can have serious consequences on your oral health and general well being. Fortunately, many dentists are trained to administer sedatives- medications designed to help a patient relax while feeling little to no pain- a safe and effective practice known as sedation dentistry.
Sedation dentistry refers to the process of establishing a relaxed, calm state during a dental treatment through the use of sedatives. Sedation is an ideal solution for fearful patients or extensive treatments that would otherwise require multiple appointments. Different sedatives vary in degrees of relaxation. Conscious sedation involves administering a sedative, such as nitrous oxide or light oral sedation, while the patient is alert and awake to reach a state of light relaxation.
Understanding IV Sedation
During IV sedation, an anti-anxiety drug is administered into the bloodstream to achieve a state of "deep conscious sedation." In other words, patients are not deeply sedated, but in twilight sleep and very comfortable. Although patients are not actually asleep, they will enjoy a heightened state of relaxation and may not remember much about the procedure when they are fully awake.
As a result, time will appear to pass very quickly and you will not recall much or even anything at all. It may appear that you were asleep after all. IV sedation is for people who hate the smell and sound of dental offices or cannot tolerate dental tools in their mouth because of a gag reflex or a simple needle phobia. Your Philadelphia, PA dentist will be able to help you with these needs.
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
Patients suffering from dental phobia are often hesitant to undergo long or complex dental procedures, as they aren't sure whether they can withstand long periods of time in the dental chair. With sedation dentistry, however, patients can endure the smile makeover they've always wanted. This is due in part to the fact that sedatives make long procedures seem like only a few minutes, leaving the patient in a relaxed, and anxiety-free state while the dentist is free to perform the procedure with ease. Appointments that would generally require multiple visits can often be performed in just one due to the patients increased cooperation.
And since sedation dentistry helps reduce many fears experienced by anxious patients, patients are more likely to go to the dentist for routine care and other treatments once they understand the ease in which a treatment can be performed under the use of sedatives.
Don't let your dental phobia jeopardize your dental health any longer. If you avoid dental treatments, you are compromising the functionality, appearance and health of your smile. Sedation dentistry from your Philadelphia dentist may be the perfect solution for helping you to achieve your dream smile by putting you at ease and reducing the pain associated with dental procedures.
