Many people panic about going to the dentist, whether for a routine exam, a root canal or, another potentially painful procedure. For some, this reluctance stems from hypersensitivity to pain coupled with the shrill sound of a dentist’s drill. Still, others experience claustrophobia. A highly effective solution proven to be a godsend to certain people who suffer from these common sensitivities is sedation dentistry. To learn more and find out if sedation dentistry is right for you, consider the following:
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is a safe, anxiety intervention consisting of pharmaceuticals proven effective in relaxing the patient as needed before and during a dental procedure. Sedation dentistry Yorktown has few side effects and is customized for you by your dentist based on your medical history and individual tolerances.
Why Is Sedation Dentistry Important?
Sedation dentistry is an important option for anyone who consistently misses dental appointments out of fear of suffering a panic attack at a routine exam or pain from an impending procedure. Routinely skipping dental visits can have severe, even life-threatening consequences, as inflammation from gum disease (preventable by regular dental checkups) has been linked to heart attacks and strokes. When choosing a dentist that offers sedation dentistry, it’s essential to know the available options to better understand the quality of care you can expect to receive.
What Types of Sedation Dentistry Are Offered?
The specific type of sedation used differs and depends on many variables, including whether you prefer to be conscious or unconscious during dental work and your tolerance level. For mild sedation, your dentist could use common anti-anxiety medication or perhaps laughing gas (nitrous oxide) versus I-V sedation for those who prefer to be asleep while undergoing the dental procedure. Your dentist will determine the best treatment plan for you to ensure the finest possible outcome.
As you can see, modern dentistry offers a variety of ways to alleviate fear, soothe anxiety and provide pleasant pain-free visits to your dentist that may help ensure optimal oral health for years to come.
