One of the greatest developments within dental care is the use of sedation dentistry! Not only can you receive thorough and comprehensive treatments, but your dentist can ensure that you remain as relaxed as possible throughout the process. But which patients actually benefit the most from this? Read on to learn from your sedation dentist in Corbin five reasons a person would make a good candidate for the technique!
Reason #1: Problems Staying Still
Many dental procedures require a patient to remain as motionless as they can. This is to prevent any damage during the treatment. If you tend to be fidgety, or for those who have Restless Leg Syndrome, then can be difficult to complete an appointment. Sedation gives the calming effect to put both your body and mind in a relaxed state.
Reason #2: Mild/Severe Dental Anxiety
Some people have dental anxiety or phobia that can make them unable to relax during a procedure. Even if they exhibit a mild reaction like heightened blood pressure, it might interfere with your examination. Since your dentist will want to ensure your dental and overall health are in good condition, they may administer one of a few sedation options—like nitrous oxide to IV sedation—to relax you.
Reason #3: Sensitive Gag Reflex
There are those patients whose gag reflex may be too sensitive for your dentist to work around. With sedation dentistry, your senses and reactions can be dialed down to minimize your reflexes. Afterwards, your dentist can freely perform your treatment without many involuntary interruptions.
Reason #4: Complex Dental Problems
If you require treatments that are complex, like tooth extractions or root canals, then you may be given more powerful sedation options. For lengthier procedures, your dentist may apply an IV sedation, providing you a deeper relaxation effect where you may not even remember the process.
Reason #5: Fear of Needles
Sedation dentistry can certainly help patients who have a phobia of needles. Instead of the IV option, your dentist can probably offer oral sedation or nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to calm the nerves. You may even recall the procedure as a pleasant experience!
With sedation therapy, virtually all dental treatments can be done while keeping you calm, comfortable, and safe. And if you want to know more about the multiple options, your dentist is always happy to help.
About the Author
Dr. Katherine Whitaker is an active member of the Southeastern Dental Society, and the American and Kentucky Dental Associations. She earned her dental doctorate at the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry. She offers multiple advanced dental treatments, including sedation dentistry for a calm experience. She’s also the only dentist in a 40-mile radius of her office who provides IV sedation. If you want to know more about sedation dentistry, visit her website or call 606-523-1415.