Sedation dentistry is often known as a treatment option for people that suffer from dental anxiety. But sedation dentistry can benefit many other types of patients. Dr. Edward Lazer of Cosmetic and Advanced Dentistry, a Baltimore dentist, discusses sedation dentistry and its many benefits.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry employs the use of medication to help make dental procedures more comfortable for the patient. There are various methods for sedation, including gas, oral, and IV-based therapies. At our office, we focus on oral conscious sedation. This method is prescribed in pill form and you’ll take it about an hour or so before you visit our office.
With oral sedation, the medication will impact the part of your nervous system that deals with pain and anxiety. You’ll be relaxed and calm, but you’ll be alert and responsive. Someone will have to drive you to and from the appointment due to the effect of the medication. When you get to the office, you’ll be evaluated and the dentist will determine if you need a second dose of medication for optimal results.
Before your procedure begins, we’ll make sure you’re relaxed, pain-free, and ready for the procedure to begin. We want to make sure you’re comfortable throughout the entire process. Usually, you’ll have little to no memory of the procedure when you’re done. Though this form of sedation is safe for most patients, we’ll perform a medical evaluation before sedation is administered.
Sedation Dentistry Benefits
Many people think of sedation dentistry for patients that have dental anxiety. This is one of many patients that can benefit from sedation dentistry. It allows them to get the dental care they need, be it traditional care or more extensive restorative dentistry. People with dental fear tend to avoid regular dental care, leading to further issues down the road.
Sedation dentistry is also ideal for children or people with certain medical conditions that make it hard for them to sit still for long periods of time. To ensure that certain dental procedures get done safely, the patient sitting still is crucial. We want to make sure that everyone gets their needed dental care safely.
If you have a bad gag reflex, sedation dentistry can assist with this as well. A gag reflex basically fights the dentist as they’re trying to work. It makes treatment difficult for both you and the dentist. Sedation can help relax that gag reflex so that you can be more comfortable during the procedure.
Lastly, sedation dentistry is ideal for getting multiple procedures done at one time. If you have various procedures that need to be performed, sedation makes it much quicker and easier. The dentist is able to work faster when the patient is calm and able to sit for the entire procedure.
Sedation Dentistry at Your Baltimore Dentist
Does sedation dentistry sound like a way to make your dental care easier? Call us or schedule an appointment online.