Dental phobias and anxiety are very real problems that affect many Americans. Dental phobias are severe versions of anxiety which can easily keep the sufferer from ever seeing a dentist on their own. These phobias only affect up to 15% of the population. Dental anxiety, on the other hand, can range between being moderate fear to being just as paralyzing as a phobia at times. Some type of dental anxiety affects closer to 85% of the population. Fortunately, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry can help set your mind and nerves to rest with the right gentle medications. But what are some benefits of sedation dentistry? 

Sedation Dentistry Can Reduce or Eliminate Pain
Serious dental fear and phobias often surround the preconceived notion of pain during the procedure. There’s usually more than enough pain due to the dental issue leading to the corrective treatment as it is, so why add to it? Fortunately, sedation dentistry has you covered there. The brain connects pain sensation with negative memories, but specific anesthetics don’t allow the brain to register that pain and build new or connective memories. No pain in the dentist’s chair means less pain later.

Sedation Dentistry Can Reduce Anxiety
Dental anxiety can be so stressful and severe that the patient can break into nervous sweats and be ready to bolt as soon as they see the ‘s chair. Add in nausea and heart palpitations, and dental anxiety is no fun for anyone. Sedation dentistry can easily reduce anxiety so you can breathe and relax during the treatment. Yes, you’ll still need to get control of yourself prior to the medication. But some can even be administered prior to entering Family & Cosmetic Dentistry for the procedure, so all you have to do is have a trusted friend or loved one get you to and from the office.

Sedation Dentistry Can Control the Gag Reflex
Most people have a gag reflex, and that’s a good thing since it helps dispel foreign or dangerous objects from the esophagus. But that reflex is easily triggered in certain dental procedures that require a more in-depth exploration of the mouth region. Competent dentists are used to the natural behavior and can work around it most of the time. But it can potentially keep the dentist from going deep enough into the oral cavity to correct or diagnose the patient’s issue or condition. Sudden spasms can also end up causing damage or injury to the patient. Certain medications, such as nitrous oxide, in sedation dentistry helps temporarily numb or paralyze the reflex so the dentist can do their job without any unnecessary risks.

 Sedation Dentistry Can Help Your Dentist Work Faster
A nervous, anxious, or scared patient almost always has trouble staying still while the dentist is working on their teeth. The more nervous the patient is, the more they’re bound to move, shift, and even slide around in the chair to avoid any preconceived or expected discomfort. That makes it very difficult for the dentist to do their job, let alone avoid unnecessary problems in the process. Sedation dentistry can relax the patient just enough to bypass the squirming or lull them into a gentle sleep so they wake up refreshed right after the procedure is over. Give Family & Cosmetic Dentistry a call when you’re ready to discuss sedation options and regain control over your oral health.