sedation dentist

To determine if you can benefit from sedation dentistry, talk to your dentist about why you want to try it and what kind of sedation would be best for you.

Dental health is known to impact your overall health, which is why it’s so important to keep good oral hygiene and be seen regularly by a dentist. According to statistics in the US, more than one in five adults reported that they hadn’t visited the dentist in the past few years.

This number shows that not all people have access to dental health, whether it’s because of the costs involved or other reasons. One of the most surprisingly impactful factors that leads to a low frequency of dentist visits is the anxiety many people feel when receiving dental treatment.

According to a study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, as many as 16% of adults have dental phobia. This makes many people skip their regular doctor’s appointments and only go when dealing with a dental emergency.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

In sedation dentistry, the doctors administer medication that controls the patient’s anxiety, helping them remain calm and go through the procedure without discomfort. Sedation is not the same thing as pain control, although some forms of sedation (like general anesthesia) will impact the pain receptors.

Sedation in dentistry comes in different forms, and its strength varies with the patient’s needs. From nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to IV sedation and general anesthesia, sedation is used to keep the patient calm and still while the doctors do the intervention.

How Does Sedation Change Dental Work for the Patient?

For people suffering from anxiety related to their dental treatment, having to go to the dentist triggers an intense response, sometimes even preventing them from getting the treatment they need.

In some cases, it’s more than just anxiety suffered by an otherwise healthy adult. Small children who need dental interventions wouldn’t stay still and cannot control their emotional response to a dental office environment, no matter how friendly it is.

Other patients suffer from physical or mental disabilities that won’t allow them to stay still for long periods or regulate their emotional responses. For these patients, sedation dentistry is the only way to get dental treatment and prevent further complications.

Are You Eligible for Sedation Dentistry?

To determine if you can benefit from sedation dentistry, talk to your dentist about why you want to try it and what kind of sedation would be best for you.

The dentist’s approach is to use the least amount of sedatives needed to achieve the desired effect. After a thorough discussion about your medical history and the type of sedation you need, you will choose the fittest sedation for you. This will allow you to get your dental problems fixed, and finally, rest assured that your oral health is being taken care of.

Sedation dentistry is common for patients who are getting extensive treatments, meaning surgeries or other complex procedures, which lie outside of the realm of basic checkups and cleanings.

When you go to the dentist for your routine dental cleaning, the last thing you expect to hear is that you need extensive dental treatment. Several factors contribute to the need for major dental work. As you age, other health factors may be harming your oral health. Whatever the reason, you may feel anxious about having major work done to your mouth, and that is understandable.

Here at The Dental Anesthesia Center in St. Louis, we’ve been working in the sedation dentistry field for over 25 years. For patients who require extensive treatment plans in St. Louis, sedation dentistry may be a great option.

What Are Some Extensive Treatments or Procedures?

Many dental treatments can be classified as extensive or major. Generally, major dental procedures refer to more extensive services; some of these include:

• Tooth extractions
• Wisdom tooth removal
• Crowns
• Bridges
• Gum disease treatment
• Dental implants
• Dentures
• Treatment for TMJ
• Invisalign

Sedation for Extensive Dental Work

Many people avoid or delay going to the dentist because they have dental anxiety. They may fear needles, drills, or the dental setting in general. However, sedation can be a wonderful tool for patients who fear going to the dentist. For invasive treatments, we highly recommend sedation of some sort. These treatments or procedures often take a long time and typically require the patient to be as still as possible throughout the process.

Sedation and sleep dentistry are becoming more common as patients who suffer from extreme anxiety or other disabilities seek proper dental treatment. It is even more common for patients who are getting extensive treatments, meaning surgeries or other complex procedures, which lie outside of the realm of basic checkups and cleanings.

The Dental Anesthesia Center in St. Louis

We can make your dental experience comfortable! When you come in for your appointment Dr. Hoffmann, Dr. Thoms, or Dr. Daugherty will decide which level is best for you. We look forward to meeting you.

Sedation dentistry is very often used nowadays by patients who are struggling with anxiety, mobility issues or other conditions. This procedure allows them to receive dental treatment and be confident and relaxed when on the dentist’s chair.

If you are a good candidate for sedation dentistry, you are probably wondering how to find the best St. Louis sedation dentist to work with. To make your search easier, here are some tips on how to tell if your doctor is good for you or not

They Have the Proper Education Level

The level of education and qualifications necessary to perform certain sedation procedures depend on the type of sedation used. Many dentists are qualified to perform very light sedation, like laughing gas (nitrous oxide,) however not all dentists are qualified to administer oral or IV sedation. Every state has certain requirements about this, like the Dental Rule Book of Missouri published by the Missouri Dental Board.

They Are Up-to-Date with Present Day Techniques

Choosing a dentist or any doctor for that matter who trains and educates himself continuously is a very good decision. Asking about the latest education programs they attended should be met with confidence and excitement, as a good professional keeps up to date with the industry.

They Take Their Time to Learn about Your Medical Needs

An important part of a sedation procedure is the discussion that precedes it. Your doctor should take his time to ask you about your medical history, the medication you are on, possible allergies, and so on. Choosing the right kind of sedation for you will be based on your medical background.

They Inform You of Potential Side-Effects

No matter how mild sedation will be, it has potential side-effects. For example, laughing gas can give you headaches or nausea, although it is considered generally harmless. Your doctor should inform you about the associated risks of the sedation method you will be given.

They Make Sure You Get Clear Instructions Before the Procedure

Part of the preceding discussion about the procedure is the preparation you must do at home. A good doctor will make sure you understand each step of the preparation and verify your condition before giving you the sedatives.

The Only Board Certified Dental Anesthesiologists in the State of Missouri

Asking a few questions about your sedation dentist before you get through such a procedure will help you be more comfortable with it and get your treatment safely, from a trained professional. Give us a call today to learn more!