Am I candidate for sedation dentistry?

Perhaps it starts with one bad experience or perhaps it is the result of a lifetime of dread, but whatever the reason, many people fear a trip to the dentist. Going to the dentist is just part of the normal health care routine for some people; unfortunately, for many others it is a traumatic experience. In fact, some people find it so frightening that they delay or completely refuse to have the dental procedures they need because of their fear. When a person’s oral health suffers their general health can be seriously affected. Sedation dentistry is a way for these individuals and others to have the dental care they need without suffering through the anxiety.

If you are considering sedation dentistry, you may be wondering if you are a good candidate. Sedation dentistry is generally for people who have dental anxiety. This may have been caused by a traumatic experience at the dentist in the past or a general fear of medical procedures. Sedation dentistry is a breakthrough for individuals who have difficulty getting numb enough for dental procedures to be performed without pain or have very sensitive teeth. People with an extremely sensitive gag reflex or who have complex dental problems are also good candidates. People who have a fear of needles or the smells and noises associated with a dentist’s office make good candidates. Anyone with a fear of needles should understand that not all forms of sedation dentistry include an anesthetic and they will still need a local anesthetic administered. However, the fact that sedation dentistry produces such a relaxed state will mean that they will not be bothered by the injections.

Sedation dentistry also works well for people who need extensive procedures that will mean hours in the dentist’s chair. Instead of having to break their appointments into short sessions because they become anxious when in the dentist’s chair for prolonged period; they can opt for sedation dentistry which produces such a relaxed state that the patient is not really aware of the passage of time. This allows them to have extensive procedures done in fewer but longer sessions without any anxiety. People who are not mentally or emotionally capable of understanding why they are having a needed procedure may also be candidates. Before having any procedure with sedation you should have a long talk with your dentist and give him/her your medical history to review. This will help insure that there are not general health issues or conflicting medications that might cause problems during the dental procedure.