Dental anxiety affects a massive 75% of patients. We get it: going to the dentist can be frightening. But if you’ve been avoiding the clinic for years on account of anxiety we are here to say that the industry has experienced many advancements that make it a much more relaxing process.
One of such advancements is sedation dentistry, a treatment that is ideal for people who are afraid of going to their clinic.
Let’s answer your five most important questions about the treatment:
First & foremost: what is it, exactly?
An IV sedation dentist is one who uses medication to calm your mind and body so that you don’t feel stressed during your appointment. One of the most common forms of this treatment include nitrous oxide (or “laughing gas”). But there are also oral conscious sedation and IV conscious sedation, which are also designed to alleviate pre-treatment anxiety!
This style of treatment differs from general anaesthesia which is used in hospitals for helping patients fall asleep for their procedure. This method can be used in complex procedures like dental implants and root canals.
What are the different treatment forms available?
There are three main treatment forms available, including:
Oral administering: This style comes in the form of a pill, meaning you don’t have to take an IV line in the arm to relax you. This method is designed to relax you but not put you asleep throughout your procedure.
IV administering: This form includes an IV drip that flows into the bloodstream, ensuring your body quickly absorbs the medication and helps feel very relaxed before your treatment.
Nitrous oxide: This is the most common form and includes using a nitrous oxide mask placed over the nose to help you relax.
Why might I need to be sedated?
If you absolutely dread going to the dentist then this treatment style is likely perfect for you! Certain dental procedures can be complex and, consequently, anxiety-provoking, and so you might prefer to have something put you more at ease before receiving your treatment.
Your expert will discuss your treatment beforehand, ensuring you receive the right medication for your needs. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, as procedures differ in complexity, duration and type, thus potentially requiring more or less medication to put you at ease.
Who can benefit from this treatment form?
Basically anyone who receives a rush of terror every time they think about going to their dental clinic. If you are afraid of treatment, have a hard time sitting in the dental chair or hate needles then this is likely perfect for you. Dental anxiety is completely normal, especially when you consider the percentage of people who experience it, so this treatment could be of real benefit to you.
Should I receive sedation dentistry?
Most people should be fine with receiving this treatment style, but it’s not for everyone. For example, if you are currently taking medications that might negatively interact with anaesthesia, then you should probably steer clear of this method. It’s for this reason that your dental expert will consult with you about any health concerns or medications that might not combine well with anaesthesia.
So, as you can see, this method is essentially perfect for anyone who dreads the dental chair, but it’s important to be open with your dentist about your medical history to ensure that it actually is the right option for you!