You’re not alone if you suffer from anxiety when visiting the dentist. Many people feel apprehensive about dental procedures, and dental sedation might be the perfect solution to help you relax. Dental sedation helps to relieve pain and anxiety during procedures, ranging from simple cleanings to more complex dental work. Let’s take a look at what dental sedation is and the different types available.
What is Dental Sedation?
Dental sedation is given to patients during dental treatments to make them feel more at ease and relaxed. Depending on the type of sedation, the patient may feel tired, peaceful, or completely oblivious to the treatment. Reducing dental anxiety and making patients feel more at ease in the dentist’s chair is what we strive for at Fennell Yoxthimer and Associates. By using sedation dentistry to make you more comfortable, you can more easily receive the dental care you need.
Types of Dental Sedation
At Fennell Yoxthimer and Associates, we offer three types of dental sedation to help patients relax during dental appointments. These include oral sedation, IV sedation, and nitrous oxide.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation is typically taken in pill form and acts as a mild sedative to help the patient relax during their procedure. It is a great option for those suffering from mild to moderate anxiety and fear.
IV Sedation
IV sedation is administered directly into the patient’s veins and takes effect faster than oral sedation. It is more potent and recommended for those with more severe anxiety levels or if a dental procedure is more extensive like when removing wisdom teeth.
Nitrous Oxide
Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is administered through a mask and is the mildest form of sedation. It is a great option for those who need to remain alert during their procedure and those with only mild anxiety or fear.
Reasons to Get Sedation Dentistry
There are many reasons why you should consider getting sedation dentistry. Some of the most common reasons patients choose sedation include:
To reduce anxiety and fear
For many, visiting the dentist can be an incredibly stressful experience. Sedation dentistry can help to reduce the fear and anxiety associated with dental procedures. With sedation, you can relax and feel comfortable during the appointment. You may even forget that you are in the dentist’s chair.
To reduce pain
Dental procedures can be painful for some people, especially those with sensitive teeth or gums. Sedation can help reduce any discomfort or even pressure you feel during a procedure.
To help with complex procedures
Sedation dentistry can be very helpful for more complex procedures, such as root canals or wisdom teeth extractions. The sedation can make the procedure easier to tolerate for you and the dentist, and it can reduce the amount of time the procedure takes.
To help with gag reflexes
Some people have a strong gag reflex that can make dental procedures more difficult. Sedation can help to reduce the gag reflex and make the procedure much more comfortable.
To help you relax
Sometimes, just the thought of going to the dentist can be enough to make you feel very anxious and tense. Sedation dentistry can reduce this anxiety and help you relax.
Schedule a Consultation
If you experience anxiety associated with going to the dentist, sedation dentistry may be the ideal solution. At Fennell Yoxthimer and Associates, we offer a variety of sedation options to help with anxiety, discomfort, and long procedures. If you’d like to learn more about the sedation we offer or discuss a dental procedure, schedule a consultation today. Our experienced staff are more than happy to discuss any anxiety and put you at ease.
To schedule a consultation today, call our Cincinnati, OH office at (513) 631-6600 or use our online contact form. We look forward to helping you with all your dental needs.
