Today, many patients are finding that dental visits are more pleasant and more tolerable as sedation dentistry becomes an increasingly common addition to both major and minor dental procedures. Procedures like root canals, wisdom tooth extractions, and periodontal therapies can be successfully completed for patients who may otherwise find themselves too anxious to tolerate routine checkups and other important treatments.
If you are mildly or severely apprehensive about the dental care that you need, your periodontist may offer sedative options ranging from mild anti-anxiety drugs that are taken by mouth to more profound sedatives that can lull you into a deep state of sleep. According to the option that is best for you, and dependent upon your level of anxiety, an appropriate sedative can be selected to produce calming and comfortable results.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), sedation dentistry is safe and effective when it is administered by dental professionals who have received the appropriate training.
In addition to the safety factor, there are a number of other benefits when sedatives are used in the dental office. The use of sedatives has dramatically reduced the obstacles that would typically prevent patients from accessing the dental treatment that is best for their health. For millions of patients, it is an opportunity to overcome the limitations of various dental phobias in order to improve the state of their oral health.
With such a variety of sedative options, patients are also able to fully relax in order tolerate longer dental appointments. There is reduced anxiety in the dental chair and less fatigue from keeping the mouth open for an extended period of time. Complex treatments and multiple dental procedures can be completed in a single dental visit, an advantage that is beneficial for the anxious patient as well as for the patient with a busy lifestyle and limited availability.
You can learn more about the benefits of sedation dentistry as well as the option that is right for you when you contact our office today to schedule an appointment.
