What Is Sedation Dentistry and What Are the Benefits?

If you struggle with dental anxiety, sedation dentistry has many benefits.

When a patient hears the word “sedation,” it can cause a lot of anxiety. There are always inherent risks to sedation, but they are generally very low when it comes to sedation dentistry, and numerous advantages exist. Although called “sedation dentistry,” the patient is not asleep. They are given a sedative that makes them sleepy, but they are not unconscious or asleep.

The Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

The benefits of sedation dentistry are numerous. Since you are kept awake throughout the procedure, it is free of many of the risks you get with other types of medical anesthesia. Feeling relaxed and anxious-free, most patients are completely unaware of what is being done and can’t recall what happened. Unlike general anesthesia, it gives the patient the benefit of reducing anxiety and pain, but it does not have the same risks.

Patients also feel the procedure took minutes, regardless of how extensive the treatment was. That allows dentists to perform more work simultaneously, reducing the number of appointments a patient has to go through. When not given sedation, patients will often get “antsy” after a while, so dentists will break up the appointments to increase their comfort level.

Sometimes, going to the dentist can provoke anxiety in patients. Whether they have had a previous bad experience or not, the use of sedation makes cosmetic dentistry a viable option for some people who are worried about the risks of anesthesia or the pain associated with dental work. It also encourages people to go to the doctor more frequently, which increases their overall dental health. Sometimes, people avoid the dentist until they absolutely can’t, and by then, their dental situation is much more severe. Prevention is always the best solution to oral care, and sedation dentistry gives patients a much more positive experience when visiting the dentist.

Although there will still need to be anesthetic injections to block the pain in the teeth being worked on, the injection is given after sedation, so you don’t feel it. You might remember the injection because you are conscious, but you won’t be hurt or bothered by it. You also won’t remember any pain that might have been associated with the injection.

Sedation Dentistry is Pain-Free

If you are going to have dental work under sedation, it is essential to remember that the medications will not wear off immediately. It is crucial for someone who is undergoing a sedated procedure to have someone there to drive them home and care for them afterward. Also, if you are given medication to take before your appointment, it is essential to have someone drive you to your procedure, not just be there to take you home.

The Dental Anesthesia Center

If you’re seeking unparalleled expertise and compassionate care in dental anesthesia, contact The Dental Anesthesia Center. Our dedicated team of highly skilled professionals is committed to ensuring your comfort and safety throughout your dental procedures. Focusing on providing specialized anesthesia services, we prioritize individualized patient care to alleviate anxiety and enhance the overall dental experience. Trust in our proficiency, state-of-the-art facilities, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Call Us Today

The Only Board Certified Dental Anesthesiologist in Missouri, including the St. Louis Metro Area.

Call (314) 862-7844
Updated: December 21, 2023

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