Whenever a patient requires a very intense dental surgery, it’s best for the patient to be relaxed or even asleep for the procedure. It’s normal for people to get anxious before they go in for a big surgery. That’s why many dentists offer things like nitrous oxide to patients that really need assistance calming down. But it’s not only about the benefits that dentists and surgeons can enjoy. Oral sedation dentistry is good for patients, too. It can make surgery faster and pain-free. Here’s what you need to know.

Pain Reduction

People go to the dentist to relieve pain, not inflict it! Sedation dentistry helps patients get the care they need with the least amount of pain. With a mild sedative like nitrous oxide, the patient will be more relaxed. With an intravenous sedative, the patient will be completely and safely asleep. This way, you won’t feel any pain when the surgeon works on your teeth and gums. There are options for sedation dentistry even for people who are afraid of needles, so that every patient can access the benefits of sedation-assisted pain reduction.

Reducing the Gag Reflex

Your gag reflex is an important part of your daily life. It stops any large objects from going too far down your throat. However, in the middle of surgery, your gag reflex can get in the way of the surgeon. For instance, you could suddenly spasm or jerk your tongue while the surgeon is holding a sharp scalpel next to your gums. That’s a recipe for disaster. When you are comfortably sedated, your gag reflex is no longer active. Your gums and tongue are protected from any sudden movements and your dentist can work faster. When your dentist can work faster, your time under sedation will go by more quickly. They can work efficiently and get you into healing mode faster.

Some types of sedation dentistry are more complex than others, so make sure you speak with your dentist about your options. Not every type of surgery requires complete sedation. But if you want to benefit from increased relaxation and reduced anxiety, ask about oral sedation dentistry. You may need to avoid taking some medications, or not eat or drink before you go in for sedation dentistry. This is a normal tool that many dentists use to provide better experiences for their patients. Take advantage of these options for a better experience.