Are you anxious every time you need to visit your dentist? Apparently, you are not the only one. Statistics reveal that out of 265 million US patients, 145 million experience serious anxiety prior dental visit. Further to that, nearly 15% of American adults are avoiding going to the dentist because of fear and anxiety about dental treatment.

One of the best options for overcoming anxiety and having a relaxed experience in the dental office is oral sedation. It is a great solution for all dental procedures – from simple ones, like tooth cleaning to more complicated and invasive treatments.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is the practice of using sedatives to help patients relax during dental treatment. It is often called “sleep dentistry,” although that’s not entirely accurate. Patients are usually awake except for those who are under general anesthesia. Therefore, the term “comfort dentistry” is more accurate to describe sedation dentistry.

The following types of sedations are available, based on the levels of sedation used:

• Minimal sedation -you are awake, but you feel more relaxed.

• Moderate sedation – you may slur your words when speaking and not remember much of the procedure.

• Deep sedation – you are on the edge of consciousness, but can still be awakened.

• General anesthesia – you are completely unconscious.

What is Oral Sedation?

Sedative medications work by slowing down the central nervous system. Unlike other forms of sedation, oral sedation keeps you awake but you’re less responsive to things occurring around you and are also less responsive to pain. Your Everett dentist may prescribe an oral sedative to help you feel calmer and relaxed before and during your visit.

Depending on the total dose given, oral sedation can range from minimal to moderate. For minimal sedation, you take a pill, typically Halcion, usually about an hour before the procedure. A larger dose may be given to produce moderate sedation.

Is Oral Sedation for me?

Oral sedation can be a great solution for you, if you:

• Experience severe dental anxiety

• Have extremely sensitive teeth

• Need extensive dental work done

• Have low pain threshold

• Have a strong gag reflex

How can I benefit from Oral Sedation?

Some of the key benefits of oral sedation include:

• It is simple, very effective and completely safe

• No needles or shots are involved in giving this type of anesthesia

• It allows even highly anxious patients to get great dental care

• The dentist could work more efficiently, often getting more work done

• There are very few side effects

If you are experiencing anxiety when you think about visiting your dentist or you just want to take advantage of comfort dentistry, you can rely on the professionalism, experience and caring approach of Dr. Gowda from Perfect Smile Dentistry. Dr. Gowda is a dental expert, whom you can trust for creating a brilliant smile for you, without pain and discomfort.

Did you know?

Advances in sedation drug therapy have enabled the dentist to treat children and teenagers who would otherwise be too anxious about receiving dental treatment. Everett dentists, who treat kids are now performing more invasive procedures, such as filling cavities or extracting teeth, in conjunction with oral sedation. Oral sedation is a choice of many parents, who would like their children to receive great dental care without discomfort and unpleasant memories for a lifetime.