Why Safe Sedation Dentistry is a Game-Changer for Anxious Patients
If the thought of going to the dentist makes you anxious or downright afraid, safe sedation dentistry is an absolute game-changer. This type of solution helps to keep someone calm and feeling more relaxed so that they can show up at the appointment and take on whatever is needed at the dentist’s office. Whether your nervous reactions come from a past experience, the unknowns of pain or treatment, or even unexplained reasons, these solutions are incredibly helpful in making dental care accessible for everyone.
Sedation dentistry offers a transformative approach to dental care. Learn more below.
Enjoy a Calmer, More Relaxed Experience
When someone has a phobia or anxiety, they feel what seems like an out-of-control fear when it comes to facing that situation. In this scenario, it’s going to the dentist. That irrational fear or anxiety often takes over, and it will cause the person to be stressed or even uncooperative at the dentist.
With safe sedation solutions, sedatives can be carefully and strategically administered to help relieve some of those worries and make the patient feel more at ease. The basic goal of sedation is for the patient to be calm and more relaxed throughout their procedure. There are several different levels of sedation depending on the needs of the patient in question.
The dentist will work with the patient to determine the best solution. The patient will be able to undergo treatments or procedures without being burdened by overwhelming fear and anxiety.
Pain-Free Approach
When someone is afraid or anxious, their pain receptors are triggered more easily. They might feel phantom pain because they are so worried about the pain. The unknown potential for pain is one of the top reasons people experience dental anxiety.
There are also patients who simply have a naturally low pain threshold. Some may just have sensitive mouths that make them more susceptible to pain at the dentist office. Sedation is not a painkiller, but it can calm the mind and reduce or remove those fears of pain so that what does occur is less formidable. It will help to make the local anesthetics more effective.
Typically, people who use sedation solutions have a pain-free experience during their procedure or treatment. At the very least, they will notice less pain because they won’t be so hyper-focused on it.
Overcoming Sensitivity and Gag Reflexes
Have you ever been so anxious about something that you were extra sensitive to that topic? What about being so afraid that you start to feel sick? You might even gag. This is a common effect of dental anxiety. In addition, many people have strong gag reflexes and the lightest work in their mouths triggers it.
Now, imagine being the dentist who is trying to take care of you, but you keep gagging or reacting from your anxiety. Safe sedation helps to reduce these issues. If you are highly sensitive to dental work or have a strong gag reflex, these solutions can help to suppress the issue. The benefit of that is you making it through the appointment much more easily, but also allowing the dentist to get done what they need while keeping you comfortable.
Ability to Undergo Lengthy Procedures
At times, patients will need more extensive dental work or care. Sometimes it’s the thought of being stuck in a dentist’s chair for extended periods that could cause anxiety. Sedation can help to keep a patient calm throughout even lengthy and complex processes.
Something like getting a deep cleaning can take an extended length of time. Of course, there are also more extensive procedures. If the patient can be at ease and calm, the provider is more likely to be able to get more work done in a single visit, rather than having to force the patient to undergo multiple appointments to accomplish one thing.
Build Confidence for Future Dental Care
If you take advantage of sedation solutions, you might find yourself experiencing less anxiety over time. As your brain starts to recognize that those visits aren’t as bad as they used to be, it becomes much easier to go through future appointments.
With consistency and the support of sedation, you may experience more comfort and reduced anxiety for your future dental needs.
Customized Treatment Options
Finally, sedation is customized to meet your needs. Different procedures and different people will have various levels of need. The dentist can tailor your sedation and treatment to what works for your specific needs. It takes a personalized approach to ensure your dental needs are taken care of, and you receive the appropriate level of care and comfort in the process.
Safe Sedation Dentistry with Smith Dental Care
At Smith Dental Care, we have extensive experience providing sedation solutions. Our team is highly trained and experienced in working with a variety of treatment options. We follow all the safety protocols and procedures to ensure you get the care you need with the safety and attention you deserve.
Contact us today to learn more!