Sedation dentistry is often considered something that’s only for people that suffer from a fear of the dentist. But sedation dentistry is beneficial for many other patients as well. Dr. Paul Bowersox, a dentist in Westminster, MD, discusses sedation dentistry and the benefits that come with it.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is the use of medication to calm someone down so that they’re able to receive the dental care they need. At our office, multiple forms of sedation are available. First is nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas. It’s inhaled through the nose during your procedure, both taking effect and dissipating quickly. It keeps you relaxed but alert enough to answer questions throughout the procedure.
Further sedation may be warranted for more severe cases. Oral conscious sedation comes in the form of a prescribed pill that you take about an hour or so before the procedure. With this form of sedation, you’ll need someone to drive you home as it takes hours to wear off. While this doesn’t put you to sleep, you may fall asleep during or forget parts of the procedure.
The Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry is common for people that suffer from dental anxiety. Fear of the dentist can be debilitating, leading the patient to avoid coming to the dentist regularly. This often leads to more severe dental problems and the patient needing to spend hours in the dental chair to remedy the damage.
Sedation allows patients with dental fear to come in for regular appointments and avoid getting to where extreme restorative practices need to be pursued. If there’s significant dental care that needs to be done, it also makes it so the patient can get it done as comfortably as possible. Performing multiple dental procedures is easier for both dentist and patient with sedation.
But this isn’t the only reason sedation can be beneficial. Sedation makes it easier for people with certain disabilities and children to get more extensive care. It can be hard to perform dental procedures safely if someone is unable to sit still for periods of time. This is often out of the control of these types of patients. Sedation means they can get the care they need.
It’s also ideal for patients that have a bad gag reflex. A gag reflex basically fights back as the dentist attempts to work. Dental work can take longer and can be extremely uncomfortable for the patient. With sedation, the gag reflex can be relaxed to make treatment doable in a comfortable manner for the patient.
Sedation Dentist in Westminster, Maryland
Sedation dentistry is useful for many patients, particularly those that require more extensive dental procedures. If you think sedation dentistry can help you, call us or schedule an appointment online!