Dental sedation helps reduce fearfulness in patients to provide a more comfortable and relaxing experience. Sedation dentistry literally makes the patient feel sleepy while allowing them to remain conscious during the dental procedure. For dentists, sedation dentistry promotes productivity because less time has to be spent on alleviating the anxiety of patients during a dental procedure.

In this post, you’ll learn about some of the important benefits of sedation dentistry.

Makes A Patient Feel Relaxed And Comfortable

Sedation dentistry or “sleep dentistry” refers to administering a sedative to a patient to induce a relaxed and comfortable physical and psychological state. The type of sedation depends on the kind of dental procedure being carried out and the patient’s level of anxiety at the time.

Here are the different sedation methods that a qualified dentist typically uses:

• Oral Method: An oral sedative or pill is given to the patient to provide mild sedation, wherein the patient stays conscious during the procedure.
• Intravenous Administration: A sedative is given via the intravenous route.
• Inhalation Method: The patient is asked to wear a mask during the entire dental procedure.
• General Anesthesia: With this type of sedation, the patient is completely asleep during the dental procedure, which is usually recommended for major dental procedures like oral trauma caused by a car crash that necessitates major repair work.

Conquers Fear and Anxiety

A lot of patients feel nervous during a dental procedure, which results in anxiety, muscle tension, and sudden rapid movements. Mild sedation techniques, like inhalation of nitrogen oxide using an inhalation mask, help patients relax. Also, they prevent the buildup of psychological pressure that is usually linked with sitting in a dentist’s chair.

Here are the benefits of dental sedation when it comes to conquering fear and anxiety:

• Dentists Can Focus Better: With the help of dental sedation, the patient relaxes and remains calm. In this way, the dentist can focus on what needs to be done, thus making the procedure more successful.
• Gag Reflex Is Minimized: Dental procedures can stimulate the gag reflex, and sedation minimizes the occurrence of this event. Consequently, the patient won’t end up spluttering or choking during treatment.

Allows Multiple Dental Procedures

There are times when multiple dental procedures are needed. However, dental drills and antiseptic odor make it impossible for some patients to stay calm during a dental procedure. If the patient becomes uneasy, performing multiple dental procedures can take much longer. Administration of a low dose sedative keeps a patient calm and relaxed for hours.

Prevents Dental Trauma

Dental trauma can result from a painful dental procedure. As sedation relaxes the patient during the procedure, it allows them to temporarily blank out and avoid another traumatic dental experience like the one they may have experienced in the past. This makes dentists feel more confident about performing major dental procedures, which also helps avoid errors.

Helps Patients With Special Needs

Dental services are for everyone, and people with special needs are more likely to agree to undergo a dental procedure if there is less pain and anxiety involved. Children, people with disabilities, the mentally challenged, and seniors are usually the ones who feel more stressed and anxious undergoing a dental procedure.

Thanks to modern technology, sedation makes regular and emergency dental procedures a lot faster for patients with special needs and easier for dentists to handle. Both children and adults can benefit from convenient and pain-free dental experiences as a result of sedation.

Laser Technology In Sedation Dentistry

Laser technology is now used to reduce pain associated with different dental problems, such as canker sores that cause pain in the mouth. It works by delivering bursts of energy that come in the form of light. Laser, in dental and surgical procedures, basically acts as a tissue vaporizer or cutting instrument.

How exactly does laser technology help in sedation dentistry? In a way, lasers can help reduce the need for patients to take higher doses of anesthesia.

Helpful Tips Before Undergoing Dental Sedation

1. Ask your dentist about special preparations required before dental sedation such as any dietary restrictions, especially for intravenous or general anesthesia.
2. Talk to your doctor about the possible effects of dental sedation on any prescription medication you’re currently taking, or on your current medical condition.
3. Don’t hesitate to clarify any doubts or concerns regarding the procedure. You might have concerns about how long you’ll be sedated and if there are unpleasant side-effects after the dental procedure. Always be open and discuss all these misgivings with your dentist.

Conclusion

Sedation dentistry is one of the most innovative methods to have resulted from advancements in dental technology. It helps patients stay calm, comfortable, relaxed, and pain-free during the entire procedure. Naturally, dentists also benefit from it because they’re able to perform multiple dental procedures, and can focus better on doing their dental work instead of diverting their time and energy towards comforting a stressed or anxious patient.