Important Question Related To The Sedation Dentist
Summary: Do you feel anxiety when visiting the dentist? Then you need to know that you are not alone. You also need to know that visiting a sedation dentist may be your best solution for helping you deal with the way you feel for many different reasons.
A fear of the dentist, it is a common problem for hundreds of thousands of people. In the old days, people would avoid the dentist at all costs. Thankfully today, modern technology has allowed dentist clinics to offer a technique called sedation dentistry.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is a technique whereby a sedation dentist administers a sedative to their patient before commencing treatment. The sedative can be given to the patient in many forms. In the past, IV (intravenous) sedation was the most commonly used form of sedation. However, many patients were just as scared of the thought of a needle as they were of visiting the dentist. Today, there are many non-invasive oral and inhalation alternatives.
Once the sedative is administered, the patient is falls into a very drowsy, relaxed state. During the treatment, the dentist will closely monitor the patient’s vitals. It is important to note that the patient is not asleep during the procedure — they just feel drowsy.
What Are The Benefits?
The main benefit of visiting a Sedation dentist in Woodbridge is that it takes the stress and worry out of visiting the dentist. People with a real phobia of visiting the dentist can now have the treatment that they would normally have put off, when they need it. This positively affects that patient’s health, and even their appearance.
Additionally, many dentist clinics are using sedation to reduce the number of visits a patient needs to complete a treatment. For example, a serious root canal can take up to two appointments to complete the treatment. Using the sedative treatment, the patient remains more comfortable for longer, so the procedure can be completed in just one sitting.
What Are The Risks?
There are always some risks associated with administering sedative drugs. According to the American Dental Association, the risks of sedation dentistry are quite low. They are compared to the use of general anesthesia in general surgery — where the risk of death is 1 in every 250,000. Those at higher risk are patients who have an existing medical condition, and heart conditions in particular. Your sedation dentist should properly explain all of the associated risks to you and conduct a thorough medical history check.
Do All Dentists Practices Offer Sedation Dentistry?
The short answer is no. You could not just walk into any dental clinic and expect them to offer sedation dentistry. Sedation dentistry is a specialized field and a sedation dentist must have the appropriate training. Dentist in Woodbridge advises that a sedation dentist should have completed training in administering anesthetics, as well as graduate and post-graduate work in the area of sedation.
What Are The Methods of Sedation?
Dentists can perform this procedure using different methods that include the following; the first method of sedation is oral sedation in which a patient ingests the drug by swallowing it. This is the best type of sedation for patients who have a problem with needles. The dentist will administer the sedative to the patient before the procedure. Taking oral sedatives however does not leave a patient completely unconscious. The patient may still be aware of their surroundings during the procedure, but does not feel. The patient can also be able to respond to the dentist instructions.
The second method of sedation used by these dentists is the use of Intravenous sedation commonly known as IV sedation. These sedatives are delivered to the blood stream through the vein. Unlike the oral sedative, this type of sedative leaves the patient completely unconscious during the whole dental procedure. The dentist is, however, required to monitor the vital signs of the patient during the procedure. Doing this allows the doctor to quickly act to any emergency that may occur.
The other method of sedation used by dentists is inhalation of Nitrous Oxide commonly referred to as laughing gas. This is the most traditional form of sedation and is done during a dental procedure. In this procedure, a patient inhales the sedative through a tube that is connected to the nose. Like the use of the IV, vital signs should be monitored throughout the procedure when inhalation sedation is used.
What Are The Advantages Of Sedation Dentistry?
- There are various advantages for patient and dentists when dealing with this form of dentistry. The advantages of this procedure include; the use of sedation allows a dentist to perform long or difficult dental procedure without distraction from the patient. The types of dental procedure that requires sedation may include cosmetic dental procedures.
- For the patients, this procedure allows them to be able to keep regular dentist appointments since they do not have to worry about the experience being painful. This in turn allows the patient to maintain proper dental health. Using this procedure also allows the patient to have limited or no memory of the dental procedure.
- Before performing sedation, it is important for dentists to know the medical history of the patient before administering any form of sedatives. Some patients may have allergies, and it is for this reason that a dentist needs to do preliminary medical check. Doing this allows the dentist to also eliminate the possibility of any side effects occurring from the sedatives.
- As a patient looking at various sedation dentists, it is always important that you find one that is qualified. You should also inquire with your dentist on the types of sedation available. Ask him about the pros and cons of each method, before choosing one that best suits you.
About Sedated Dentistry
If you go to a sedation dentist, you do not necessarily have to go fully under to have your mouth worked on. While this is, of course, a possibility, you can also be very lightly sedated. This gives you a feeling of calm and relaxation while the dental work is being done, but leaving you somewhat alert to your surroundings. If you are interested in being sedated during your dental work, talk to the dental office about your options. You will likely find a solution that will calm your nerves without making you sedated beyond your comfort level.
Screen for potentially life threatening diseases
Remember, dental health is important. Your dental professional can not only keep your pearly whites glowing, but also screen for potentially life threatening diseases, including heart disease and certain forms of cancer. So do not let your fears and anxiety about the dental visit keep you from getting this important work done. Find a sedation dentist in your area, and relax while your dental health professionals work on your smile.
Outstanding option for children who have disabilities
A huge advantage of this technique that poses as a major selling point for those with anxiety is that oftentimes several different procedures can be done in the duration of just one appointment. With your anxiety out-of-the-way, the dentist is free to take all of his time to concentrate on the work that needs to be completed. This is also an outstanding option for children who have disabilities or even just plain old anxiety; keeping up with recommended care is an important part of childhood as well as an imperative part of adulthood, and accepting sedation as a medical need is as important as accepting it as a part of a cesarean section or heart surgery. You need to tend to your dental health, and if sedation is a part of that, than accept it, and take care of yourself.
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