Is Sedation Dentistry Right for Me?

Sedation dentistry offers a safe and effective way for patients to overcome their fears and other dental issues so that they can get the treatment they need to maintain oral health and avoid major dental problems. Read the sections below to find out if sedation dentistry is right for you.

Candidates for Sedation Dentistry

Are you a person who avoids having dental work done because you have a strong aversion to dental treatment? If so, you are not alone. Research shows that the most prevalent reason people put off visiting the dentist is dental anxiety. While your feelings are understandable, delaying dental treatment can cause relatively minor dental problems, such as gum disease, to become major dental issues that require extensive intervention. With the option of sedation dentistry, you can overcome your anxieties and get the treatment you need. Even procedures such as root canals can be non-traumatic. As an added benefit, sedation dentistry allows patients to combine multiple procedures into one or two visits, saving time and limiting inconvenience.

While sedation dentistry is not for everyone, it may be the answer you've been seeking for yourself or a loved one. Sedation dentistry could be right for you if you exhibit any of the following:

• Dental Anxiety
• Sensitive Teeth
• Difficulty Getting Numb
• Complex Dental Issues
• Dental Phobias – Fear of Needles
• Limited Time to Complete Dental Work
• Traumatic Dental Experiences
• Difficulty Controlling Movement*

*Patients with cerebral palsy or Parkinson's disease sometimes are unable to control their movements. This can impede these patients from getting the dental care they need. Sedation dentistry can relax a patient so that involuntary movements don't interfere with dental work.

There are several sedation dentistry methods available. When you choose a sedation dentist, ask about the sedation dentistry techniques they offer and what steps the dentist takes to ensure not only your comfort but also your safety.

Who is NOT a candidate for sedation dentistry?

Patients who have a medical condition should notify their dentist about the condition prior to a sedation dentistry procedure. Patients should also notify their dentist about any medications they are currently taking. Any previous allergic reactions to medications should also be reported to the sedation dentist. Sedation dentistry is generally reserved for patients who are 18 years old and older. However, there are pediatric sedation dentists available to treat children who cannot tolerate dental work.

Contact a Dentist in Your Area

DocShop provides extensive listings of sedation dentists and other general and specialty dentists located throughout the United States. To learn more about sedation dentistry and its benefits, find a sedation dentist near you today.