What Should I Know About Sedation Dentistry?
- Posted on: May 15 2019
If you aren’t too excited about your upcoming visit to the dentist because you’re anxious or nervous, you may believe you’re the only one. But, the truth is, there are actually many people who come to the dentist with a little bit of nervousness, or who even avoid seeing their dentist because of anxiety. Of course, you shouldn’t ignore the health of your teeth, even if you are a little nervous. You have nothing to fear, and your ignoring your dental health can dramatically impact your overall health down the road. Keep reading to learn more about sedation dentistry.
We believe that listening to your concerns about the dentist and explaining what we’re doing can help you understand what is happening during your visit, feel more in control, and experience less anxiety and fear. But, some patients may need a little something extra. Having sedation dentistry available is extremely helpful for patients who may have a fear of seeing their dentist. In fact, it helps patients relax and is can even be useful for patients who:
- Have sensitive teeth
- Have a low pain tolerance
- Require a large amount of dental work
- Have a strong gag reflex
- Have trouble sitting still
When you are undergoing sedation dentistry, there are different degrees of sedation to consider, depending on the needs of the patient and what type of procedure will be performed.
In general, there are two types of sedation:
- Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
- Anti-anxiety medication
Sedation and pain relief should not be confused, but sedation is extremely helpful in certain cases. Sedation can minimize feelings of fear and anxiety that may bubble up during visits with the dentist. Even better, patients who have sedation dentistry are often far less nervous about having dental appointments in the future. Sedation could be a great option for you if you experience anxiety before or during a dentist appointment.
If you are interested in sedation dentistry, you can mention it to us when you are discussing your treatment plan with us. Give us a call today at 610.861.0190 for our Bethlehem location or 610.973.2090 for our Allentown location to learn more about how we can help you overcome anxiety about the dentist.
Posted in: Dental Services, Sedation Dentistry