Sedation Dentistry Makes Dental Procedures Achievable

Sedation dentistry is reaching high levels of popularity in recent years due to its ability to relax patients while having dental procedures completed that they would otherwise greatly fear. Whether it is a procedure to handle oral pain, to correct a crooked smile or to have regular biannual cleanings completed, this painless option makes it possible to not only not feel the treatment, but also be unaware that it is being performed.

Sedation Dentistry Keeps You Conscious

When most people think about sedation dentistry, they think that they will be completely knocked out or asleep during the procedure when in fact the opposite is true; patients are completely awake during the procedure, but feel completely relaxed, with the possibility of nodding off. The benefit of being conscious during the procedure is the quick recovery that follows, which is in stark contrast to general anesthetic which would make a patient completely unconscious.

Sedation Dentistry Can Be Administered Many Ways

One of the greatest things about sedation dentistry is the many methods that it is available in, allowing patients with many different levels of fear to be a candidate. There are a variety of different types of medication that can be administered, including nitrous oxide, depressants and tranquilizers, depending on the level of relaxation that is necessary to help you as well as the status of your overall physical health.

Sedation Dentistry and Local Anesthetic Work Together

When a patient receives one form or another of sedation dentistry, local anesthesia is still used. The local anesthetic helps to block the pain impulses that naturally occur from the affected teeth. When sedation is used, however, the local anesthetic is not applied until the patient is under sedation and completely relaxed, allowing him/her to avoid the fear that often comes along with the needles that are required.

If you have been avoiding a necessary or elective dental procedure completed because of a fear of dentists or needles, sedation dentistry could be a viable option for you. The medication completely relaxes your body and mind, making you unaware of what is occurring. This makes it possible to have dental work completed that can improve your overall health or even offer cosmetic changes to your smile.