For most people, it is recommended that you see a dentist every six months for regular cleanings and checkups. However, for some, this is easier said than done. Dental anxiety and phobia are two factors that keep many people from attending their routine visits, and they affect more people than you think. Approximately 36% of the population is affected by dental anxiety while a further 12% are impacted by extreme dental phobia. Fortunately, sedation dentistry is now available to help nervous patients relax while they are undergoing dental treatments. But did you know that sedation dentistry has other benefits as well? Here are some of the most prominent.
One of the ways that patients develop dental anxiety is a result of a previous negative experience at the dental office. With every visit, the fear can irrationally become worse. Sedation dentistry can help to prevent patients from experiencing additional fear because some forms, like oral conscious sedation, cause you to not remember the majority of your visit.
The gag reflux is there to help the throat expel any intrusive foreign objects. However, during dental visits, an overactive gag reflux can make it more difficult for your dental team to work quickly and efficiently. With sedation dentistry, the gag reflux becomes paralyzed. In the end, it makes it much easier for the clinical team to treat you, and you will feel much more comfortable throughout the duration of your treatment.
With modern dental techniques and technology, your dental visits shouldn’t be painful. If your teeth are on the sensitive side or you are afraid of discomfort of the teeth and gums during your appointments, sedation dentistry can help. The brain doesn’t register pain while under the influence of powerful sedatives and anesthetics.
When you are under sedation and anesthetics, you won’t be involuntarily moving around and fidgeting as much as you normally would. This way, you will be more comfortable, and your dental team will be able to work faster. They might even be able to get multiple things done at one time. Ultimately, this means lower costs, fewer visits, and a shorter cumulative recovery period.
There is more to sedation dentistry than just calming the nerves. With modern anesthetics and sedation, dental visits can be made a breeze!
About the Author
Dr. Winston Eaddy is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for well over four decades. He earned his dental doctorate from the College of Dental Medicine, Medical University of S.C. and completed a residency at the Boston University School of Graduate Dentistry, where he earned his specialty degree in periodontics. Dr. Eaddy served as Assistant Professor of Periodontics at the LSU School of Dentistry and Assistant Professor of Periodontics at the Medical University of S.C. Currently, he is a proud member of the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, American Academy of Periodontology, and the American Academy of Osseointegration. For more information on sedation dentistry or to schedule an appointment at his office in Austin, visit his website or call (512) 263-4252.
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