Who Is a Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?

Dental anxiety is an issue that can affect how individuals take care of their teeth. Many people avoid going to the dentist because of fear, which hurts their dental health in the long run. Sedation dentistry provides a solution for people who experience dental anxiety from fear of pain or a previous bad experience. 

 

Different techniques help keep patients calm and relaxed during dental procedures. You can find out if you are a candidate for sedation dentistry. 

 

People With Dental Anxiety

Sedation dentistry is ideal for patients who experience dental anxiety. The severity of the anxiety differs for individuals. Many people do well during a routine checkup and have minimal fear during simple procedures like fillings. 

For others, the mere thought of being in the dentist’s office causes shaking, dizziness, nausea, and even panic attacks. People with extreme dental phobia or anxiety are good candidates for sedation dentistry. The solution helps deal with fear and nervousness, allowing patients to get the treatment they need. 

 

Having Extreme Gag Reflex

Some people have a severe gag reflex that can make it difficult to get dental procedures. Having tools or hands in the mouth triggers reflex action. It can disrupt or make it challenging to complete dental procedures. It can slow down the process, which is inconvenient for both the patient and the dentist. 

 

Sedation dentistry helps reduce the reflex, allowing the completion of dental work without interruptions. The patient will relax throughout the treatment. 

 

Teeth and Gum Sensitivity 

Dental procedures can be very uncomfortable when you have sensitive teeth or gums. People with hypersensitivity can find even the most straightforward dental procedures uncomfortable. Some people also tend to experience pain more quickly, finding treatment uncomfortable even when using anesthesia. 

 

Getting dental procedures while under the effects of sedation will enhance comfort. Sedation dentistry will help ensure that procedures are painless. 

 

A Lengthy Dental Procedure

If you need to undergo a lengthy procedure, you can benefit from sedation dentistry. You might be comfortable during most dental procedures, but too much time on the dental chair can be challenging. 

 

If the treatment takes hours, sedation will make it more comfortable. Keeping your mouth open for long can be uncomfortable. Sedation dentistry provides a way to get through a lengthy procedure with ease. 

 

You Want to Remain Conscious 

Sedation dentistry does not necessarily induce unconsciousness. With most types of sedation, the patient remains awake but relaxed during the procedure. In most cases, the patient will be awake but not fully aware of his surroundings. You may not know what the dentist is doing to your mouth, but you will be able to respond to directions. 

 

The patient under sedation may drift off into a light sleep but will not need help to breathe. The dentist can administer the sedation intravenously. Other types of sedation are inhaled sedation, oral sedation, and general anesthesia. 

 

Elderly patients or patients with a disability can benefit from sedation dentistry. Mild sedation can help prevent fidgeting for those who find it hard to sit still for prolonged periods. The dentist will determine the patient’s eligibility to get sedation dentistry. Patients of all ages can benefit from sedation dentistry.


 

For more information on sedation dentistry, contact Rudell Gary S. Jacinto, DMD, General and Cosmetic Dentistry, at our office in Los Angeles, California. You can call (323) 405-9428 today to schedule an appointment.