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If you struggle with fear surrounding going to the dentist, then you may be familiar with anxiety-relieving options like nitrous oxide. What you may not know, however, is that there are other benefits of sedation dentistry. Keep reading to learn more about this calming option and why your dentist may recommend it for you!
5 Additional Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry has been extensively researched and is considered not only effective, but extremely safe as well. Although it is largely known as an anxiety-relieving tool for patients who struggle with mild to severe dental-related fear, it also comes with a number of other benefits, including:
- It allows more dentistry to be completed in a single visit since the patient is more compliant.
- It allows the patient to be awake, ensuring they can remain calm while still being able to respond to verbal cues and physical touch.
- It provides a slight amnesia effect (depending on the type of sedation being used), which can help decrease future anxiety surrounding going to the dentist.
- It helps patients with a sensitive gag reflex or back pain remain comfortable in the treatment chair.
- With more mild sedation, the effects wear off quickly, allowing patients to enjoy the calming effects during their appointment without having to worry about extensive downtime afterward.
What Types of Sedation Dentistry Are Available?
Whether you are interested in sedation dentistry because you typically struggle with back pain after long hours in the treatment chair or need help staying relaxed when the sound of the drill turns on, it is important to be aware of the different types of sedation available.
- Nitrous oxide – More commonly known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is a mild, but effective, sedation option. In this scenario, a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide is administered through a nosepiece. After a few minutes, you will enter a deep state of relaxation. Once the procedure is complete, the effects will wear off almost instantly.
- Oral conscious sedation – The next option is oral conscious sedation. A bit stronger, this sedation option requires you to take a pill an hour prior to your visit. By the time you get to the appointment, the calming effects will have already begun.
- IV sedation – The deepest relaxation is possible through IV sedation, which is administered intravenously. Typically, this option is reserved for patients with severe anxiety, special needs, or complex dental treatments.
If you think you would benefit from sedation dentistry, then don’t hesitate to talk to your dental team about it today! That way, you can safely and comfortably get the much-needed dental care you need.
About the Practice
Led by Dr. Gary Rosenfeld, our team at Island Daily Dental Care is dedicated to providing nearby patients with the quality-driven, stress-free, genuinely enjoyable dental care they deserve. If your experiences at the dentist have left much to be desired, then we encourage you to schedule a consultation to find out if sedation dentistry is right for you! We are open seven days a week, conveniently located, and offer a comprehensive array of smile-restoring services. To learn more about our sedation options or to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or give us a call at 631-286-9000.