Sedation Dentistry – What are the Benefits?
Around 16 percent of Australian adults find visiting the dentist to be an anxiety inducing experience. In some cases, this can lead to people putting up with serious oral infections or other dental health issues for years on end – often resulting in more significant problems later in life. It is important to address gum disease, cavities or missing teeth as soon as possible, as this will allow for the most favourable treatment outcomes. If you experience dental anxiety, sedation dentistry is an option that will enable you to get the dental care needed to maintain a healthy smile for life. In this blog post, we will be exploring the benefits of sedation dentistry and how it has become a game-changer for those who struggle with dental anxiety.
Understanding Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry involves the use of medications to help patients relax during dental procedures, making for a more comfortable visit and enabling them to maintain optimal oral health. Levels of sedation can vary based on the procedure being performed and patient needs. Under minimal sedation, you will remain awake but in a relaxed state. Under deep sedation, you will be almost unconscious but can still be awakened. Following sedation, local anaesthetic is also used to numb the treatment area and prevent you from feeling any pain. Sedation dentistry is an option well worth considering if you experience fear or anxiety associated with dentist visits.
Types of Dental Sedation
Your dentist may recommend one of four dental sedation options.
- Oral Sedation – for people with mild dental anxiety, they can consume a tabler one hour prior to treatment. This will provide mild pain and anxiety relief.
- IV Moderate Sedation – for people with moderate dental anxiety, IV moderate sedation may be advisable. This involves an IV sedative being administered, which results in a sense of calm. You can still respond to questions/directions.
- Happy Gas – this is a mild sedation method, which involves the inhalation of nitrous oxide gas. You will feel calm and relaxed and will still be able to respond to questions/directions.
- General Anaesthesia – sleep dentistry using general anaesthesia is only performed in hospital settings, and you will be completely unconscious.
Who is eligible for dental sedation?
Most people are eligible for dental sedation. Whether you have a mild fear of the dentist or a more severe phobia, there’s no need to worry when the option of twilight sedation is available to you. For complex procedures, you can rest assured that you will remain calm and relaxed throughout the procedure whilst under sedation. This treatment option is also ideal for those with sensitive teeth and gums or an overactive gag reflex.
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
1. Anxiety Reduction
Overcoming a fear of the dentist is no easy feat, particularly if this has been ongoing since childhood. Sedation can help you to feel more at ease, making it easier for you to undergo necessary treatment without experiencing overwhelming stress or fear. This can boost your confidence and enable you to maintain a healthy smile for life.
2. Increased Pain Threshold
If you are undergoing root canal therapy or other extensive dental procedure, you may be concerned about pain. If you have a low pain tolerance, you will be pleased to learn that sedation dentistry raises the pain threshold of patients, making you less sensitive to discomfort during procedures. This will make for a smoother and more tolerable experience in the chair.
3. Time Efficiency
Some time-intensive and complex dental procedures can benefit from sedation dentistry. This is because patients under sedation are more likely to remain still and cooperative, enabling the dentist to work more efficiently. This is especially advantageous for treatments that might require multiple sessions or intricate dental work.
4. Memory Blockade
Whilst you still remain conscious under twilight sedation, it is not uncommon for people to experience amnesia. Some people only have a partial recollection of the dental procedure, whilst others have no memory of it at all. This memory blockade can be a significant relief for those with dental anxiety, as it helps to prevent the development or reinforcement of negative associations with dental visits.
5. Long Term Health Benefits
Once they have experienced sedation dentistry, many people find that their days of dental anxiety and fear are over. With no more discomfort to worry about and an immediate improvement in your dental health, you can look forward to positive long term health benefits.
No More Dental Anxiety – Visit Sydney Park Dental Today
Our highly skilled team of dental professionals are trained in sedation dentistry. If you have a history of dental anxiety, rest assured that we are here to support you. To book an appointment at our Sydney dental clinic, please contact us today.