Five Reasons to Love Sedation Dentistry

Few people enjoy going to the dentist, even for routine check-ups, but for many people those routine visits are ordeals that cause a great deal of anxiety. If you’re in this situation—and you’ve been putting off a much-needed dental visit because of it—you might be a good candidate for sedation dentistry.

Sedation is an ideal option for anyone who is nervous or scared about undergoing dental procedures, or who has trouble with any aspect of dental visits. There are several reasons why a dentist might recommend sedation dentistry to a patient, including:

1. If anxiety is keeping you from visiting the dentist at all, even for routine check-ups, sedation dentistry can help you feel more relaxed about going.
   
2. Some people have a strong gag reflex that makes it very difficult for them to comfortably undergo even routine dental treatments. In these cases, sedation dentistry can make the procedure go much more smoothly.
   
3. A dentist might recommend sedation dentistry for a patient who has a low pain threshold or who has very sensitive teeth.
   
4. Sedation dentistry is often recommended for people who find it difficult to sit still for long periods. This is sometimes a reason why dentists recommend sedation dentistry for children.
   
5. If a procedure is long or involved, sedation dentistry is usually preferred by dentists, as it makes the procedure more comfortable for the patient.

If you fit into one of these categories, sedation dentistry provides an effective solution for your dental anxiety. Once you are sedated, you will not feel discomfort and, depending on the sedation method used, your dental visit will appear to have passed in minutes. Most dentists can provide one or two sedation options, including nitrous oxide and oral sedation, and help you pick the treatment that’s right for you.

If you are anxious about getting dental treatment, including routine check-ups, don’t be afraid to ask our office about sedation dentistry.  We’re happy to talk you through your options and help you feel more comfortable about your dental visits.