If your palms sweat and heart races when it’s time to visit your dentist, you’re not alone. A recent study by DentaVox found 61% of people around the world have some degree of dental fear. With your oral health directly connected to your general health, you can’t avoid your dentist forever. Sedation dentistry is an excellent solution to conquer your anxieties for a stress-free appointment. Contrary to what you might have heard, it’s safe and effective for a variety of situations. Here are the facts you need about 4 common dental sedation myths to determine if it is right for you.
1. Myth: Sedation dentistry is only for complex surgical procedures.
Fact: While sedation dentistry is often associated with surgical procedures, it is beneficial for several situations. There are multiple types of sedation to fit specific circumstances based on your needs. If you only require a little extra help to relax during a dental cleaning, nitrous oxide might be right for you. The mild sedative will help you relax without any lingering side effects. If you need a complex procedure, like a root canal, oral conscious sedation may better suit your needs.
2. Myth: All sedation is the same.
Fact: There are a plethora of options when it comes to sedatives, such as nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation. Each offers its own benefits, depending on your needs. Better known as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is often recommended for patients with mild-to-moderate dental-related fears and phobias, while oral conscious is best for patients who need invasive or multiple procedures.
3. Myth: Sedation dentistry isn’t safe.
Fact: Sedation dentistry has been featured negatively by the media; however, news outlets fail to mention complications had occurred because a patient wasn’t a good candidate. Sedation dentistry is safe and effective when used on the ideal candidate and administered by a trained professional, like your dentist. You’ll require a thorough consultation to review your medical history, medications, and lifestyle to ensure you have minimal risk factors for any unforeseen complications. Generally, nitrous oxide is the safest for most patients, including children.
4. Myth: Sedation “puts you to sleep.”
Fact: Contrary to common belief, sedation dentistry does not render you unconscious unless general anesthesia is used. You’ll reach a deep level of relaxation with nitrous oxide, oral conscious, and IV sedation, so you may become a little drowsy. You might even doze off during your procedure; however, your dentist can awaken you easily, and you can still respond to verbal cues. Don’t worry, you won’t feel any pain or discomfort.
Don’t let misconceptions about sedation dentistry compromise your experience in the dental chair. Ask your dentist if you’re a candidate for dental sedation today.
About Dr. Kevin Dann
Dr. Dann is specialty certified in dental anesthesia. Besides earning his dental degree, he received his Anaesthesiology Degree, Certificate in Implant Dentistry, and he is certified in CPR, ACLS, and PALS. He has extensive qualifications and experience for safe sedation services. Contact our office today to see if sedation dentistry is right for you.
