Modern dentistry offers a variety of techniques to help patients stay comfortable during dental procedures. Learning more about these techniques can ease patients' concerns about the procedures they need. A sedation dentist uses medication to provide patients with a safe and comfortable dental care experience. Sedation can make necessary dental procedures much easier and is one of several options available to manage pain and anxiety at the dentist's office.
A sedation dentist is available at Oak Tree Dental in Poway and the surrounding area. If you need dental work but feel anxious about what it entails, discuss how sedation can address your concerns. A qualified dentist can inform you about various options and make recommendations based on your concerns and medical history. Call us at (858) 748-2101 to schedule an appointment.
When to see a sedation dentist
Visiting the dentist causes extreme worry in many patients, but they can often combat this stress by being sedated during dental procedures. A sedation dentist is trained to provide patients with medication that can relieve anxiety by making them feel drowsy and relaxed. The American Dental Association has strict guidelines in place to determine which of the following types of sedation is most suitable for individual patients.
- Minimal sedation: Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, allows the patient to remain fully alert and aware of what is happening throughout the procedure. This medication commonly causes patients to feel relaxed and lightheaded. It is the most common form of sedation used in dentistry.
- Moderate sedation: Oral medication makes patients feel drowsy during their procedures. The effect of the medication may be strong enough to cause some patients to slur their speech and forget the procedure process. It must be taken an hour before the procedure begins.
- Deep sedation: Strong medication is administered through an IV. This allows the medicine to take effect more quickly and provides deeper sedation. Although most patients remain awake, they are extremely groggy and have little to no recollection of the procedure afterward. Some patients may fall into a light sleep but can be awakened easily once the dental procedure is complete.
“A sedation dentist is trained to provide patients with medication that can relieve anxiety by making them feel drowsy and relaxed.”
Who should see a sedation dentist
Many patients have no problems visiting the dentist, but those who deal with anxiety and fear often have a difficult time staying still for a procedure. A sedation dentist can also help people who have a low pain threshold, sensitive teeth, a bad gag reflex, or require extensive dental work. In some cases, a person's dental fears are so strong that they avoid seeing the dentist altogether. This could negatively impact oral health if a person does not receive the necessary services to care for their teeth properly.
Patients with these issues should consider seeing a sedation dentist so they can relax during necessary dental procedures. The longer a patient waits before having oral problems addressed, the more extensive the damage will be. Therefore, it is a good idea for patients to seek the help of a certified sedation dentist immediately after realizing they struggle with an aversion.
“A sedation dentist can also help people who have a low pain threshold, sensitive teeth, a bad gag reflex, or require extensive dental work.”
Benefits of sedation dentistry
In a study published by the Journal of Dental Hygiene, 19% of the 308 study participants suffered from moderate to high dental anxiety. A sizable part of this group even reported missing appointments because of dental fear. Sedation is one of the effective ways dentists have found to help patients get the care they need. Patients who have been avoiding necessary dental work due to anxiety can find sedation very helpful.
In addition to patients who suffer from nervousness, candidates for sedation may include those who have difficulty sitting for a long time. Some dental procedures necessitate remaining in the chair for a long time with minimal movement. Various physical and mental conditions can make this extremely difficult for some. Other issues where sedation can help include a strong gag reflex or a low pain threshold.
“Sedation is one of the effective ways dentists have found to help patients get the care they need.”
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Patients should do extensive research and book a consultation before scheduling an appointment with a sedation dentist. While most dentists are certified to perform mild sedation, only certain practitioners who have completed the Commission on Dental Accreditation can administer deep sedation.
Patients should meet with potential dentists to determine which type of sedation is most suitable for their individual needs. The dentist will determine this based upon patients' ages and health in addition to the severity of their anxiety. After reviewing the possible risks associated with sedation dentistry, the patient should consider the dentist's experience and determine if sedation is right for them.
“Patients should do extensive research and book a consultation before scheduling an appointment with a sedation dentist.”
Questions answered on this page
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Q. Who should see a sedation dentist?
Q. What are the benefits of sedation dentistry?
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When sedation dentistry is not possible
While sedation dentistry can help many people, it is not possible for everyone. Patients with certain conditions such as obesity or obstructive sleep apnea may not be able to receive this treatment due to the possibility of complications. Our dentist will speak with patients before providing sedation to ensure that it is safe.
This process will include reviewing a patient's health history and medications to determine whether they are a good candidate for sedation. It is crucial to receive sedation from a trained and qualified sedation dentist. Our team will work with each patient to determine their candidacy for sedation and ensure their safety.
“Patients with certain conditions such as obesity or obstructive sleep apnea may not be able to receive this treatment due to the possibility of complications.”
Frequently asked questions
Sedation dentistry is safe for many people. However, patients who have sleep apnea or are obese have a higher risk of complications from the medication. They should inform the dentist of their medical history so the practitioner can determine if sedation is the right solution.
Patients who experience severe anxiety over the thought of visiting the dentist should consider sedation dentistry. According to WebMD, this practice also benefits people with gag reflexes, sensitive teeth, or low pain tolerances. It may also be an option for those who have difficulty sitting still for extended periods or need a significant amount of work done.
Proper oral hygiene, including routine dental exams and cleanings, is essential for good oral health. However, many people have distress during dental procedures, causing them to avoid the dentist as often as possible. This leads to a decline in oral health and could lead to major problems in the future. A sedation dentist helps patients relax to undergo the cleanings and other procedures they need to maintain healthy teeth.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, dental sedation is safe for children. Many kids are uncooperative or scared while in the dentist's chair, and sedation makes them feel at ease throughout the procedure. Most children only need mild sedation.
Most patients will feel drowsy for a few hours after seeing a sedation dentist. If you have received mild sedation, you may be able to drive yourself home but should rest the remainder of the day. Patients who receive moderate to deep sedatives will need someone else to drive them home and may sleep for a few hours after the appointment. However, all patients can resume their normal lifestyles the day after the procedure.
Dental terminology
Cosmetic dentistry is generally used to refer to any dental work that improves the appearance (though not necessarily the function) of a person’s teeth, gums and/or bite.
Tooth decay is when the enamel of the tooth begins to decay and cause erosion from plaque and tartar on the teeth.
Dental caries are also known as cavities and result from a lack of proper oral hygiene leaving plaque that forms tiny holes in the teeth.
A dental checkup is an appointment that involves cleaning the teeth, identifying any signs of infection and removing said signs of infection at least once every six months in the office.
A dental filling involves restoring the structure of the tooth by using metal, alloy, porcelain or plastic to fill the tooth.
A dental prophylaxis is a professional and detailed cleaning that involves the removal of plaque, calculus and stains from the teeth.
Dental sealants contain a resinous material that we apply to the chewing surfaces of the posterior teeth to prevent dental caries.
A dentist, also known as a dental surgeon, is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity.
Gingivitis is the inflammation of gum tissue that results from plaque, other infections in the mouth and poor oral hygiene.
Preventive dentistry is the dentistry that focuses on maintaining oral health in order to prevent the spread of plaque, the formation of tartar and infections in the mouth.
Consult a dentist about sedation during procedures
Sedation dentistry offers a way to get necessary dental care without fear or anxiety. Talk to a dentist about sedation options today. Call us at 858-748-2101 to schedule a visit.
Individual results vary. How long a treatment lasts, and how it looks and feels, depends on each patient.