Medical issues can be scary.
Even if you are just going in for a routine cleaning, visiting the dentist might make you uncomfortable. Many people have fear or anxiety connected with the dentist based on what they’ve seen in movies or a bad experience. Many people who avoid going to the dentist do so because of dental anxiety. If this is the case for you, sedation dentistry may help you. Sedation dentistry can help you make appointments so your oral health doesn’t suffer.
This article will focus on the most important information you need to know about sedation dentistry to calm your anxiety or fears.
1. Sedatives are NOT Anesthetics
Many people believe that sedatives and anesthetics are the same. WRONG! These are different drugs with different effects. Sedatives will relax a person, whereas anesthetics will numb an area (local) or your whole body (general). General anesthesia puts you to sleep while you usually stay awake with sedatives.
2. Sedation Dentistry is Safe
Sedation dentistry does not carry large risks. Most popular sedatives have been in use for a long time. This timeframe helps verify any necessary safety techniques and the effectiveness of the drug. Your dentist will help to recommend the right sedative based on the degree of your anxiety. When your safety is a concern, make sure to work with experienced, trustworthy dentists like those at Signature Smiles Dental.
3. Specific Doses are a Must
As most if not all medical professionals will tell you, self-medicating is not good for your health. It is the job of medical experts to diagnose and set the levels of any medication. When you self-medicate, especially if you don’t tell your dentist about it, you risk serious health complications. Make sure to follow your dentist’s recommendations and only take what you have been prescribed.
4. Sedation Dentistry also Helps Dentists
Sedated patients are helpful clients. Anxious patients are often rigid and tensed up, making it difficult for the dentists to do their job. Your dentist won’t need to worry about a patient feeling anxious if given the correct sedatives.
5. Sedation Dentistry Can Help Anyone
Sedation dentistry is great for those with dental anxiety, but it is also helpful for other people and in specific circumstances. Sedation dentistry may also help you if you need a lot of work done, have sensitive teeth or gums, have little control over your gag reflex, and more.
Get Your Dental Work Done with Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry is a safe way to get your dental work complete while managing your anxiety or fear. There are many reasons to get sedation dentistry. When you work with caring dentists like those at Signature Smiles Dental, going to the dentist will become a breeze. Give us a call today to chat through your needs so we can help keep your smile as bright and healthy as ever.