Not everybody is comfortable with visiting the dentist. In fact, for some individuals, just the thought of undergoing dental treatment makes their heart miss a beat. Sadly, this anxiety and fear can prevent individuals from receiving dental care. Without proper dental care, patients can end up with more troublesome conditions like teeth discoloration, periodontal disease, gingivitis, and even tooth loss. Luckily, there is a way for individuals who struggle with dental phobias to still receive the care they require without all the hassle, and it is known as Encino sedation dentistry. Continue reading to discover the many benefits of sedation dentistry.
1. Anxiety Relief
One of the main benefits of sedation dentistry is the relief from anxiety for the most nervous patients. As such, this technique allows patients to undergo their procedure comfortably, eliminating anxiety as the main reason to avoid dental consultations.
Some patients have only a little pre-procedure anxiety. However, other individuals become entirely overwhelmed with the fear that their oral procedure will be painful or possibly go entirely wrong, which keeps them from receiving the care they need. While anybody can benefit from sedation dentistry, the more anxious a patient is about their procedure, the more helpful it becomes.
2. Anterograde Amnesia
Although amnesia may not be the most desirable outcome in numerous instances, it is pretty desirable for sedation dentistry. The phobia numerous individuals have about their dentist often results from an unpleasant childhood experience, and the fear typically grows with every additional visit.
This issue is particularly true if the patient suffers some discomfort. However, with sedation dentistry, there is no additional build-up of phobia as the mind cannot develop new memories. As such, sedation dentistry helps reduce patients’ fear on the following visits.
3. Reduces Gag Reflex
The gag reflex is something good for your health. The throat should be capable of expelling any foreign, intrusive object. Unfortunately, if the patient is entirely aware as the dentist works on his mouth, the gag reflex could be a hindrance. In some cases, the dentist wants to go deep into the oral cavity, and the gag reflex inhibits that.
The patient’s spasms could result in damage, based on what procedure your dentist performs. Thankfully, this is not an issue with sedation dentistry, as it paralyzes the gag reflex. Therefore, your dentist can work quicker and more efficiently, making the patient more comfortable.
4. Pain Relief
Understandably, some patients have fears about a dentist’s appointment. Nobody appreciates tooth or gum discomfort. However, with sedation dentistry, the discomfort is entirely alleviated. The brain cannot register discomfort when under the influence of powerful anesthetics and sedatives.
5. The Dentist Can Work Faster
If the patient is under the influence of powerful anesthetics and sedatives, they will not squirm around in the chair as the dentist tries to work. As such, this allows for a pleasant experience for both the patient and the provider. Your dentist will work quicker and more efficiently as they do not have to worry about your reaction to the treatment. Therefore, sedation dentistry is incredibly helpful if you require extensive dental work.
Anxiety should not keep you from receiving the quality dental care you want. If visiting the dentist makes you anxious or fearful, sedation dentistry can help you receive the care you require for long-lasting oral health. With sedation dentistry, your dentist will administer some form of medication, such as nitrous oxide or ketamine, to help you relax, calm down, and even fall asleep. The type of sedation your dentist administers will vary according to your anxiety level. Talk to your provider about your concerns to establish what type of sedation is appropriate for you.