3 Vital Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

Many of us put off much needed visits to the dentist due to anxiety or dental phobia. In fact, studies tell us that up to 20% of people living in the United States struggle with dental anxiety to some degree. 

Because so many people struggle with fear of going to the dentist, many providers offer sedation dentistry. Your dentist is able to offer you different forms of medication in order to keep you relaxed during the entirety of your dental procedures.

Sedation dentistry has a lot to offer, so if you’re unaware of all the things this dental treatment can do for you, our team, led by Dr. Andrea B. Elenbaas at Remedy Clinic located in Gulfport, Mississippi, wants to review three of these vital benefits in this blog.

1. Sedation dentistry can alleviate anxiety and keep you calm

When even the thought of getting a routine dental cleaning fills you with fear and worry, utilizing sedation dentistry can help you feel relaxed and calm. You may also want to consider dental sedation medication if you have an overly sensitive gag reflex, a fear of needles, or difficulty sitting still for long periods of time.

In addition, sedation dentistry can be extremely beneficial when you have to undergo long and arduous procedures such as root canals or tooth extractions.

2. There are many different sedation options

It’s important to note that because there’s so many options for dental sedation, there’s going to be a choice that’s best for you and your needs. 

The first kind of sedation dentistry is nitrous oxide — better known as laughing gas. You breathe in this medication through a mask and helps you feel relaxed within five minutes of its administration. You’ll be fully conscious with this option, but you should feel very relaxed.

The second is oral sedation. About an hour before your procedure, you take an oral medication that makes you pretty groggy, and you may even fall asleep. But you should wake up easily.

Lastly, the deepest form of sedation is IV sedation. Medication is given to you through an intravenous (IV) line in your arm. You go into a deep sleep with IV sedation and you should have no memory of the procedure.

Your provider can help to determine which option is right for you.

3. Your dentist can work faster and more efficiently

When you have to undergo dental procedures that take a lot of time (and maybe even multiple appointments), sedation dentistry can be helpful. If you’re nice and relaxed, it allows your dentist to get more dental work done in a more timely fashion. 

This may mean that you need fewer appointments to complete your dental work.

To learn more about sedation dentistry, feel free to contact our team with any questions you may have. You can do this by giving us a call at 228-432-6194 or you can schedule an appointment with us with our online booking tool today.