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Sedation Dentistry: A Relaxing Solution for Dental Anxiety. Get it done from the best Sedation Dentist
As patients, it’s not uncommon to feel anxious or nervous about dental procedures, which can often lead to a delay in necessary treatment. Luckily, contemporary dental care provides numerous methods to ensure the comfort of patients throughout dental procedures, such as the implementation of sedation dentistry.
At Eagle Family Smiles, located in Chester Springs and the surrounding areas, Dr. Makani is a qualified dentist in Chester Springs who provides nitrous/oxide sedation. He can inform you about various options and make recommendations based on your concerns and medical history. Sedation dentistry involves the use of medication to help patients relax during the procedure, making it easier for them to manage pain and anxiety at the dentist’s office.
Sedation dentistry can range from mild to deep sedation depending on the patient’s needs and medical history. For mild sedation, patients remain fairly alert but feel relaxed, while moderate sedation induces a deeper state of relaxation, and patients undergoing it may not remember much of the procedure. Individuals who are placed under deep sedation remain conscious, albeit experiencing drowsiness and a sense of detachment from their environment.
The type of sedative used is determined by the patient’s treatment, their tolerance, and conditions or illnesses they may have. Typically, local anesthesia is employed in minor restorative treatments like cavity fillings, tooth extractions, root canal therapies, dental crown installations, and scaling and root planing. On the other hand, general anesthesia, often delivered through inhalation or intravenous methods, is utilized for more extensive procedures. It is commonly employed in bone grafts, corrective jaw surgeries, complex tooth extractions, oral cancer surgeries, sleep apnea treatments, cosmetic dental procedures, and cleft lip/palate surgeries.
Sedation dentistry has several benefits, including helping patients who suffer from dental anxiety, those who have difficulty sitting for a long time, have a strong gag reflex, or a low pain threshold. A study published by the Journal of Dental Hygiene found that 19% of the 308 study participants suffered from moderate to high dental anxiety, with a sizable part of this group even reporting missing appointments due to dental fear.
If you are considering sedation dentistry, it is important to prepare yourself before the procedure. This includes asking about available sedation types, reviewing your medical history, including allergies and medications, going over the information with the sedation dentist, and making arrangements for getting home after the procedure.
With sedation dentistry, you can receive the dental care you need with minimal pain and anxiety. Contact Eagle Family Smiles to schedule a consultation with Dr. Makani and learn more about the benefits of sedation dentistry and the type of sedation provided at his office.
A sedation dentist can assist with various dental procedures, ranging from simple fillings to more extensive treatments. Depending on the patient’s unique circumstances and the length of the procedure, the dentist may recommend the best approach for sedation. This method can help relieve anxiety, making the procedure easier to manage.
It is typically advisable to refrain from consuming solid foods and dairy products for at least six hours prior to your appointment. Additionally, patients should avoid drinking liquids for at least two hours before the procedure. However, every patient is unique, and the specific dietary guidelines may vary depending on the type of sedation and other factors. Therefore, it is crucial to consult with the dentist before the procedure.
Sedation dentistry is typically safe and administered by qualified professionals who determine the ideal dosage and type of sedation for each patient. While there may be some short-term side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, or nausea for up to four hours following the procedure, these symptoms typically subside quickly.
For the comfort of the patient, it is recommended that they wear loose, comfortable clothing to their appointment when receiving sedation. It may also be helpful to dress in layers to maintain a comfortable body temperature during the procedure. The dentist may also advise avoiding large accessories that can interfere with the procedure.
Generally, patients should continue taking their regular medications as prescribed unless instructed otherwise by their dentist. It is essential to inform the dentist about all medications taken to determine whether any adjustments need to be made for the day of the procedure.
After a sedation dentistry procedure, patients are advised to take the day off to recover, with a general guideline of 24 hours before returning to their regular routine. The duration of the sedation’s effects varies depending on the type administered but can typically range from two to eight hours.
Sedation dentistry typically induces a state of deep relaxation and drowsiness, often accompanied by a mild tingling sensation. After the procedure, patients may experience mild amnesia, making it difficult to recall the details of the treatment.
It’s normal to feel anxious about sedation dentistry, but patients can take comfort in the fact that most sedation options do not involve being put to sleep. Instead, sedation dentistry is designed to help patients feel extremely relaxed during the procedure, making it a more comfortable experience. Additionally, the dentist will thoroughly explain the procedure and answer any questions to help put the patient’s mind at ease.