Sedation dentistry refers back to the administration of anesthesia to patients for the duration of a dental procedure to put them into a stress-free or a sleep-like state. This is useful in procedures that need a longer period of time, as well as to patients who may have a problem in controlling their movements (ie MS) and dental phobia.

There are several kinds of sedation dentistry which don’t compel putting the patient “to sleep”; as the variety of sedation used on patients is dependent upon the level of their stress or apprehension.

Types of Sedation Dentistry:

Oral sedation. This is usually given the night before or an hour before the treatment. It simply lessens fear levels; therefore a local anesthesia is still necessary for pain alleviation.

Intravenous sedation. Like oral sedation, this doesn’t provide pain alleviation so a local anesthesia is still needed.

General anesthesia. This variety of sedation renders the patient to become unconscious. The patient isn’t aware of what’s transpiring during the whole process. Local anesthesia therefore isn’t necessary .

Nitrous Oxide Sedation. This is also known as “laughing gas” which is used to bring the patient to a state of relaxation (you might know you are at the dentist, but you just don’t care). A local anesthesia is necessary to numb any pain.

Patient Fear Toward Dentistry

About 30-40 million American citizens avoid going to a dentist due to tension and fear. In a number of cases, these phobias are so acute that patients cancel or fail to appear on their scheduled appointment. They have a fear of the clinic, the dentist or the tools that are to be used. However , there are presently many ways to treat patients afflicted by these conditions.

Who can qualify?

Sedation dentistry isn’t for everybody. However , here are conditions of patients who can qualify for sedation in a dental procedure:

• Dental fear or anxiety

• Complex dental problems
• Fear of needles and drills
• Prior disturbing experiences with the dentist
• Teeth sensitiveness
• Condition with difficulty of movement control

Other health conditions like Parkinson’s disease and cerebral palsy make patients lose control of their movements; this can impede patients to get proper oral care. Sedation dentistry is critical to control involuntary movements. Nonetheless the patient must inform the dentist of their health problem and medicine before commencing with the method to avoid any complication with sedation dentistry procedures.

So remember, whatever the trepidation, there is a solution for anyone to be able to have a big beautiful bright smile.

For additional information on sedation dentistry feel free to download our guideat Bradford Sedation Dentistry or feel free to contact our office for a complimentary evaluation to see if you qualify.