Many dentists offer different forms of sedation dentistry in order to help their patients have calmer, more relaxing appointments. Could you or someone in your family benefit from this option? The answer to this question can vary from patient to patient based on their needs. Below are 4 examples of people who could potentially be good candidates for some type of sedation dentistry.
1. Patients Who Are Anxious About Visiting the Dentist
It’s estimated that over a third of adults in the United States are anxious or afraid when it comes to dental care of any kind. In fact, some are so afraid that they often skip routine dental checkups and cleanings, which can have serious consequences for their oral health in the long term.
If your dental fears are interfering with your ability to get the care that your smile needs, it may be worth asking about sedation dentistry. Oral conscious sedation and nitrous oxide sedation are both very effective when it comes to soothing mild to moderate dental anxieties.
2. Patients Who Have a Sensitive Gag Reflex
Some people gag more easily than others, which can increase the difficulty of having any sort of dental work performed. In extreme cases, an overly sensitive gag reflex can even make it next to impossible to successfully undergo a routine checkup and cleaning. Fortunately, sedation dentistry can help you stay relaxed and keep your gag reflex under control until your treatment is complete.
3. Patients Who Find It Difficult to Sit Still for Long Periods
Dental work requires you to sit still with your mouth open for an extended period of time. This can be easier said than done for many patients, particularly those with restless leg syndrome and certain other conditions. The relaxing effects of sedation dentistry can go a long way toward ensuring that these patients are able to stay still for as long as they need to.
4. Patients Who Need a Complex or Lengthy Type of Dental Treatment
Are you planning to have a particularly complex type of dental procedure performed? Or do you need a treatment that will keep you in the dental chair for longer than usual? For these types of dental services, sedation dentistry can go a long way toward ensuring that you stay comfortable from the beginning to the end of your visit.
If you fall into any of the categories listed above, sedation dentistry could help you have a more positive experience at your next dental visit. Get in touch with your dentist to see what kinds of sedation are available and find out whether they could be a good choice for you!
About the Author
Dr. Ben Omrani has more than two decades of dental experience, and he makes a point of keeping up with the latest techniques and technologies. He cares about the comfort of his patients, which is why he offers both oral conscious sedation and nitrous oxide sedation. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Omrani at Platinum Dental Group of San Juan Capistrano, visit his website or call (949) 661-2052.