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Important Facts That You Should Know About Sedation Dentistry

By Arcade Dental / May 23, 2022

If the idea of going to the dentist makes you nervous, you should consider visiting a dental office that offers sedation dentistry options. Dental anxiety is a significant problem that affects roughly half of the population in the United States. If left unchecked, it can easily lead to you canceling dentist appointments and neglecting your oral health. Dentists frequently administer sedatives to worried patients to help them relax during procedures. It can be used for everything from simple cleanings to surgical procedures. Want to know more details about sedative dentistry? Go through the sections below to gather an explicit knowledge of the facts related to this topic. 

Sedatives And Anesthetics Are Two Different Things

There is a common misconception that these two types of drugs can be used interchangeably. However, this is not true. Anesthetics and sedatives are two different types of drugs.

Sedatives are used to relax patients, while anesthetics are used to numb your senses, so you don’t feel pain during specific procedures. If your dentist uses a general anesthetic, you will be unconscious for the procedure. You usually are awake but in a more relaxed condition when sedatives are provided.

Sedation Dentistry Is Absolutely Safe

Sedation dentistry does not pose any significant hazards. Since many of the sedatives used have been around for a long time, there is a wealth of research to back up their usefulness and safety. The type of sedative your dentist uses is determined by the severity of your anxiety. You may be given medications to take before your appointment, or your dentist may determine that IV sedation is the best option for you.

The Dose of Sedative Used Is Very Particular

Even if you have dental anxiety, you should never self-medicate. Instead, listen to your dentist’s advice and take the medication strictly as advised.

Sedation Dentistry Has Made Things Easy

Dentists find that sedated patients make their jobs much more manageable. As the patients are more comfortable, the dentist can complete more work because he or she is less concerned about stressing the patient. This is particularly important because individuals who suffer from dental anxiety are more likely to neglect their oral hygiene for extended periods of time. In only one appointment, your dentist may repair the damage caused by years of neglect with sedation dentistry.

People Suffering From Dental Anxiety Can Benefits From This

While sedation dentistry can help you overcome dental anxiety, it can also help people who aren’t afraid of going to the dentist. Do not hesitate to consider sedation dentistry if you:

  • Require excessive dental work
  • Have experienced traumatic experiences in the past years
  • Have teeth sensitivity
  • Are facing difficulty in staying still
  • Are suffering from pain in the neck, back, or jaw
  • Are unable to control the gag reflex

Here at Arcade Dental, we offer numerous sedation dentistry options to make dental procedures seamless for patients who step into our dental office. Give us a call if you are looking for top-notch sedation dentistry in Pharr, TX, and nearby.