A visit to the dentist usually isn’t high on anyone’s list of their favorite thing to do. A lot of people, however, are so anxious or scared of the thought of having dental work done that they put it off for years. Even regular cleanings can send some people, adults as well as children, to the edge of panic. Research into sedation dentistry is helping patients overcome these fears while they have regular cleanings and needed work done.
What types of sedation dentistry are available?
Sedation dentistry offered by a Dentist in Madison such as Alan P. Friedler can run the range from a mild type of sedation in which the patient is very relaxed to a general anesthesia in which the patient sleeps through the procedure. Most dentists offer mild and moderate types of sedation. For example, mild sedation helps the patient’s fears and anxieties recede as they feel very comfortable and generally unafraid. When patients are under moderate sedation, they typically aren’t able to speak clearly and likely won’t be able to remember that the procedure occurred. Deep sedation occurs when patients are asleep, and require the presence of a dentist anesthesiologist.
Who is a good candidate for dental sedation?
Patients who refuse to see a dentist because of fear, anxiety or panic are the people most commonly believed to be the best candidates for dental sedation. There are some other issues that can make sedation beneficial for dental procedures. Some people have extremely sensitive teeth and gums, while other patients’ gums can’t be numbed successfully with local anesthetics. The dental work necessary may need to be extensive, requiring a long appointment time or multiple appointments. Unfortunately, many people cite repeated bad dental experiences in the past as a reason for their current fear or panic about seeing a dentist.
What is used to sedate dental patients?
As in surgery, different types of sedation are available for the different needs of the patient. For tooth cleanings, nitrous oxide which relaxes the patient is often enough to help calm fears. Oral medications, similar to anxiety drugs, taken before an appointment can sedate a patient minimally or moderately, depending on the drug’s dosage. For deep sedation, the medication is generally given intravenously. Patients who feel they need more information on dental sedation can contact a Dentist in Madison by visiting.
