Five Obvious Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

Anxiety is the main reason patients avoid dentists altogether. Patients who experience dental anxiety have a harder time taking care of their oral health, which can lead to bigger problems down the road. Fortunately, sedation dentistry is available to help patients feel more comfortable and relaxed at the dentist's. Listed below are the benefits of sedation dentistry. 

Anxiety Relief

Some patients experience extreme anxiety right before their appointment. Many put off treatment for years because of this, but sedation dentistry offers a viable solution. Patients who receive anxiolysis or conscious oral sedation can easily relax during their procedure. In the process, the dentist can work more efficiently, and the patient can wake up with little memory of the procedure.

Anterograde Amnesia

When you are sedated, you are fully asleep and feel no pain. You may also not remember anything about the procedure afterward. This is quite helpful for people who are afraid of dental treatments because it takes the scary factor out of the equation. You don't have to worry about feeling pain or remembering what went on in the chair.

Reduction in Gag Reflex

The Gag reflex develops as a protective measure to protect the lungs from choking hazards. When the reflex is triggered by something in the mouth, it will cause the patient to physically gag or choke in order to protect their airways. While this isn't a problem for all patients, it can be a major inconvenience for others. Dental procedures are some of the most common triggers for the gag reflex.

This is why sedation dentistry is so important! By using sedative medications during dental procedures, we can greatly reduce the occurrence of this reflex—which then makes it much easier for dentists to perform their work without causing irritation to the patient's throat. This makes it possible to complete more services in a single appointment, which in turn also makes it easier for patients to complete their treatment in a timely manner.

Pain Relief

When a patient has difficulty getting numb at the dentist, they can avoid this with a sedation dental treatment. In fact, studies have shown that those who use oral sedatives are twice as likely to get numb compared to those who don't use them. This means they have less pain when they are getting their procedure done and are more likely to come back for needed treatment.

In addition to avoiding the pain of numbing, the sedatives used during the procedure will also help the patient to relax and be calm during the appointment. This can help to reduce anxiety and even cause them to forget what went on during their appointment. This can be important for patients who have had a traumatic experience in the past or who have difficulty facing the dentist in general. They can relax in the chair and have a better visit overall without having to worry about pain or discomfort.

The Dentist Can Work Faster

For patients who experience fear or anxiety, sedation dentistry allows them to receive necessary dental treatment without fear, worry, stress, or pain. This is especially beneficial for patients who require multiple treatments in a single visit. With sedation, your dentist can work more efficiently and perform more dental procedures in one appointment, which saves patients time and money. It also creates a more positive overall experience for the patient. Patients who undergo sedation also tend to report being more relaxed and at ease with their treatment because they aren't nervous or anxious about what's going on during their procedure. This often means that procedures are much easier for the dentist to perform as well, saving both the patient and the dentist a lot of time.

Visit Smile Makers Dental Care, 901 Sunvalley Blvd. Suite 240, Concord, CA 94520, for a professional dental checkup. Book an appointment online or call us at (925) 685-9339 for any questions or concerns related to oral health.