Going to the dentist and recieving different kinds of care are some of the most common phobias in the United States. Estimates say that nearly 40,000,000 American adults do not see their dentist regularly due to the fear and anxiety they feel towards seeing the dentist. Staggering, right?
Fortunately, not all trips to the dentist need to be big, scary ordeals, thanks to sedation dentistry, a style of care that allows you to sit back and relax for a painless treatment. Unfortunately, most people let the fear prohibit them from seeing a specialist – and also have the wrong idea about sedation dentistry. Here are the 3 most common misconceptions about sedation dentistry … which ones did you believe?
It Puts You To Sleep
Patients often confuse sedation dentistry with general anesthesia, but they are different. General anesthesia “knocks you out” or puts you to sleep, while sedation guides you to a state of deep relaxation. You’ll look like you are sleeping, but you’ll still be conscious and will be able to respond to instructions given during treatment.
Dentistry sedation can be administered in 3 levels:
Minimal: You will be awake and conscious, but will feel relaxed.
Moderate: You will be very relaxed and may slur your speech. Your memory of the procedure may be hazy.
Deep: You will be on the edge of consciousness but will be able to respond to questions and instructions. You may have little or no memory of the procedure.
Your dentist will assess which level is best for you, based on the nature of your procedure and your level of comfort.
It’s Only For People Who Have Severe Phobias
If you associate sedation dentistry with people who are terrified of going to the dentist, think again. This service is actually a great choice for most dental patients, regardless of your level of fear. It relaxes both your body and mind. Thus can be useful for patients who have a strong gag reflex, a restless tongue, or trouble sitting for longer procedures.
It’s Only For Certain Procedures
Unlike general anesthesia, sedation dentistry can be convenient for nearly any dental procedure. One can use this procedure from something as major as a complex extraction to something as minor as a simple tooth cleaning. It can be useful if you have a low pain threshold. It’s even acceptable for use with children who may tend to fidget during a cleaning or procedure.
Does going to the dentist have you paralyzed with fear? Sedation may be just the thing to allow you to sit comfortably through a checkup and cleaning. If you think you may have interest in a checkup under sedation, give Dental Specialty Associates a call at 602-795-5995 to schedule an appointment.
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It’s like that old song goes: “I Wanna Be Sedated”! When it comes to getting major dental work done, one of our favorite methods of treatment is sedation dentistry. It’s the gentlest and most relaxing of our procedures. It’s something that we love to administer and consider it to be an essential part of our practice. (more…)
Public speaking, spiders, snakes, death and going to the dentist. What do these five things have in common? Unfortunately, these are five of the most common fears people have. Going to see your dentist regularly is a major part of living a long and healthy life, but many people put off getting their checkups due to fear and anxiety. As a result, many suffer needless pain and health complications. (more…)
If you think you are the only one who has fears going to the dentist, think again. Many people suffer from dental anxiety. Be sure to protect your teeth and gums so you can enjoy optimal dental health for the rest of your life. You’ll need to have a dentist examine and treat them regularly. To make it easier for you to look forward to your next appointment, here are some sedation dentistry facts you should know.
Sedation Really Works
If you choose to receive sedation intravenously or with a pill, you will not have to worry about experiencing much discomfort during your visit. The medication works helps to induce a calm and pleasant mental state so patients remain as relaxed as possible. Many people who choose sedation often do not remember their dental experience.
It Is Completely Safe
The use of sedation does not affect your ability to stay awake, unless you choose to be deeply sedated. In fact, you will be conscious the entire time your teeth are being worked on. However, you may have trouble recalling specific details of your dental visit, which is a great thing if you have dental phobias or anxiety. Also, all of your vital signs are monitored closely while you are under sedation.
Reduces Treatment Time
If you need a dental procedure that normally takes several hours or visits to complete, sedation can help to reduce the amount of time you will spend in your dentist’s office. Shorter treatment times reduce the risk of you becoming fatigued from your treatment.
Improves Effectiveness of Numbing Medication
If you have trouble getting numb during your dental procedures, the use of sedation can change that. Your body has a harder time responding to pain medication if it is in a higher state of anxiety. Sedation makes it possible for you to relax so your pain medication can take effect properly.
The best place to go for any dental work if you are struggling with dental anxiety or phobia is to a practice that offers sedation dentistry in Phoenix AZ.
If you are ready to conquer your fear and gain a new lease on life by fixing your smile, contact Dental Specialty Associates for an appointment with Dr. Brian Lilien.
