With sedation dentistry, the dentist will use laughing gas, medication, or other methods to let you relax. It is often known as sleep dentistry although you will not be asleep during the procedure in general. You will often stay awake but be in a more relaxed state. Unless you have general anesthesia, you will be aware of what is happening. Keep reading to find out when you should consider sedation dentistry.
The level of sedation can vary depending on the preference of the patient and why it is used. There can be minimal sedation, where the patient is just relaxed. With deep sedation, the patient can still be woken. And with general anesthesia, the patient is completely asleep.
Much of the time that a patient is in the dental chair is designed to ensure comfort. It can help patients to manage anxiety or to relax more. Plus, the dentist often tells the patient to open the mouth a bit more. And the patient needs to take breaks to rest the mouth. But with sedation dentistry, the effort can be bypassed or at least minimized. The dentist will be able to go right to work and help the patient reduce the time spent in the chair.
With some dental procedures, multiple trips are required because the patient cannot sit through a procedure that is too long. The mouth gets tired, and it is too hard for a patient to go through the procedure. But with sedation dentistry, it is easier for the dentist to do everything in one visit. It is a good option for patients who have busier schedules.
Some people have a gag reflex, and it can be stronger in some people than others. This is the body’s defense mechanism for protection. No one can help it. Plus, the dentist is already placing large tools in the mouth. However, gagging can make it harder for the dentist to do the job properly.
Luckily, even with mild forms of sedation, the reflex can be suppressed. That can make the patient feel more comfortable. Disabled people can also do well with sedation. Others have trouble sitting still, and sedation can help with that.
Almost half of all dental patients have anxiety at some point or another. The symptoms might be mild or severe. Unfortunately, fear can keep many patients from going to the dentist as often as is necessary. However, even mild sedation can help a patient to relax better and have an improved experience. In fact, choosing moderate sedation means that the patient might not even remember the procedure that well. It might be like a dream or feel like something that happened right before falling asleep.
If you want to get the procedure over or if you have dental anxiety, you might want to go for sedation dentistry. People who fidget or have a gag reflex will also benefit from sedation. Talking to your dentist about getting sedation is a good idea. Making an appointment today is your first step.
Request an appointment here: https://www.stgeorgedentalcare.com or call St. George Dental Care at (435) 628-9099 for an appointment in our St George office.
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