San Antonio, Texas
Many people do not go to the dentist because they are afraid or they have dental phobias. This is a major concern as the patients health can be at risk. Sedation dentistry, quite simply, makes the patient relaxed and comfortable during their visit to the dentist.
It is estimated that about 30 percent of the population avoids the dentist because of their dental phobias. With sedation dentistry growing more and more popular, this number seems to be on the decline.
Sedation Methods
There are many sedation dentistry methods available depending on what kind of procedure you might need.
- Oral Sedatives: Usually in pill form, oral sedatives are given 30 minutes to one hour before the procedure. Patients will fell relaxed and comfortable but will still need local anesthetic since sedatives do not provide pain relief.
- Nitrous Oxide: Also known as laughing gas, a mask is placed on the patient and the gas is inhaled inducing a state of relaxation. A local anesthetic will also be given to eliminate pain.
- IV Sedation: Like oral sedatives, a drug is given through an IV. Pain medication may be used in conjunction with this sedation, but most likely a local anesthetic will be used. The downfall to this method is a fear of needles, which is why oral sedatives and nitrous are more popular means.
- General Anesthesia: When this type of sedation is used, the patient will be totally unaware of his or her surroundings. The patient will be unconscious so there is no need for any pain medication. This is reserved for the most serious of procedures.
Oral sedation is now the most used form of sedation dentistry. Patients can maintain a level of consciousness throughout and cooperate and talk with Dr. Hale so complications may be avoided. Along with local anesthetic, patients no longer need to fear the dentist and dental procedures.
Who is a Good Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?
- They have had a traumatic dental experience in the past.
- They have some sort of dental phobia or anxiety
- Embarrassed about their teeth
- Need a lot of dental work done at once
- Difficulty getting numb
- In denial of your dental problems
- Extremely sensitive teeth
- Need complex dental work or surgery
- Fear of the dentist
It is very important to visit your dentist regularly because the health of your mouth and gums are many times indicators of your overall health. Seeing these warning signs early can greatly reduce serious risks to your body.
Many people are afraid to visit the dentist, but with sedation dentistry you no longer need to be afraid. If you live in the San Antonio area and you would like to learn more about sedation dentistry, please contact Dr Hale to schedule a consultation to see if you may be a candidate for sedation dentistry.
