Sedation dentistry is often marketed as a solution for people who struggle with a fear of the dentist. Certainly, it can help you if the idea of undergoing oral procedures makes you feel nervous or afraid. However, even if are perfectly calm during dental appointments, it may be recommended for you. Let’s talk about a few benefits of sedation dentistry that go far beyond anxiety relief.
Enhanced Comfort
Dentists and oral surgeons do all they can to ensure patient comfort. They numb the portion of the mouth where they are working, and they strive to use a gentle touch. However, some procedures can still be uncomfortable. For example, it might be difficult to hold your mouth open for a long period of time. It might be difficult for you to get completely numbed. Some patients even have medical conditions that make it painful or difficult for them to sit still in the dental chair for a long period of time.
Sedation can help with all of those issues. It dulls pain sensations and induces a great feeling of relaxation. Depending on the type of sedation used, you might even feel like you are drifting off to sleep. It is also possible that you will not remember the procedure after your sedation wears off.
More Efficient Treatment
If you must undergo a lengthy or complex oral surgery, sedation will likely be recommended for you. This is also true in cases where a patient must get multiple procedures at once. It can be challenging, uncomfortable, and perhaps even a bit boring to sit still for a long period of time while your dental team works. Sedation can make it easy for you to endure the process. Time will seem to fly by.
Plus, the sedation will make you so relaxed that your dental team will be able to work as quickly as possible. This shortens the overall treatment time so you can go home that much sooner.
Another way in which sedation aids efficient treatment is that it boosts patient compliance. You will still be alert enough to respond to questions and directions from your dental team, and you will be able to do so easily with minimal discomfort.
Is Sedation Dentistry Right for You?
As you can see, sedation dentistry is much more than a way to relieve anxiety. It can make your procedures as comfortable and efficient as possible. If you are interested in receiving it during your next oral surgery, ask your care team if you are a good candidate for it. After they screen you for any possible contraindications, they will recommend the type of sedation that they believe would be best in your case. Then, you can look forward to an easy and stress-free treatment experience.
Meet the Practice
Drs. Steve Koo and William Shepard are the board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons in our office. They are qualified to offer numerous types of sedation, from mild nitrous oxide to powerful general anesthesia. To learn more about them and how our team may be able to serve you, contact us at 832-353-1100.