It’s no secret that dental visits, even the most routine, can give many patients anxiety. In fact, many people completely put off going to their dentist because of their nerves. This is, obviously, unhealthy since good oral hygiene is one of the most important habits a person can develop at a young age.
Here at Reason To Smile Dental, we understand that many patients feel nervous and anxious about their dental appointment. This is why we offer multiple types of sedation to make your dental experience as pleasant as possible.
Types of Sedation Dentistry
While there are countless sedatives on the market, only a few are recommended for dental services. The most common sedative used in sedation dentistry is nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas. When nitrous oxide is inhaled, the gas causes you to relax and allows Dr. Vernon to perform your dental needs with ease. This is the only form of sedation dentistry that wears off quickly enough for you to drive yourself home after your appointment.
Oral sedation is another popular form of sedation dentistry, however, since it is stronger than nitrous oxide you have to arrange transportation for after your appointment. This form of sedation is administered in the form of a pill that is taken by the patient about an hour before the appointment.
Another popular form of sedation dentistry is intravenous (I.V.) sedation, which is used least often for dental appointments. I.V. sedation allows the sedative to act quicker than other forms of sedation dentistry because it is administered directly into the vein. You will need to arrange a form of transportation for I.V. sedation as well.
Advantages of Sedation Dentistry
While erasing anxiety is the most obvious benefit of sedation dentistry, there are many reasons a patient could require a sedative prior to their dental appointment. Some of these reasons are:
- Low Pain Threshold: Patients with a low pain threshold or sensitive teeth can benefit greatly from sedation dental services. While sedatives can aid in decreasing pain, a numbing agent will have to be applied as well.
- Sensitive Gag Reflex: One of the most difficult jobs for any dentist is performing dental procedures on patients with a sensitive gag reflex. Sedation dental techniques will relax the patient’s gag reflex, making them easier to treat.
- Large Amount of Dental Work: One of the most beneficial advantages of sedation dentistry is that it gives Dr. Vernon the ability to complete more dental work than usual in one session. This is especially advantageous for patients who require multiple types of dental treatments.
If you are in need of dental work and are interested in sedation dentistry in the Salt Lake City area, you can contact us here or call us at (801) 719-5447 to schedule an appointment.
