Sedation dentistry is used to help people feel calm and relaxed throughout their dental procedures. Dr. Jessica Christy of Orchard Hill Dental, a dentist in Hendersonville, NC tells you what you should know about sedation dentistry.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is the act of using medication to keep people relaxed throughout their dental procedures. At Orchard Hill Dental, we have multiple types of sedation available. First, we have IV conscious sedation. This is administered directly to your bloodstream throughout treatment. You’ll be conscious throughout, but may be relaxed enough that you fall asleep or forget parts of the procedure.
Also, we have general anesthesia. This is commonly used for things like wisdom teeth removal or the surgical portion of placing dental implants. It’s administered through an IV as well, but you’ll be completely asleep throughout the entire procedure. You won’t remember any portion of your procedure. With this form of sedation, you’ll need someone to drive you to and from our office.
Before any sedation is done or scheduled, you’ll have a personalized consultation with Dr. Christy. She’ll go over your past and current medical history to make sure that sedation dentistry is a healthy option for you. We’ll also go over your budget and goals to determine what treatment we’ll be providing and if it’ll go smoother with sedation dentistry being utilized.
The Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
Most commonly, sedation dentistry is often touted as a crucial service for people suffering from dental anxiety. Patients with dental anxiety can be so impacted by it that they avoid regular dental care altogether. This can lead to more serious dental problems down the road. Sedation allows them to get the regular dental care they need, without panicking.
Sedation is also beneficial for children or patients with certain medical conditions that may not be able to sit still for a long period of time. Intensive restorative procedures can take a long time, and movement can cause problems for the dentist as they’re trying to work on your teeth. Sedation allows them to work quickly and ensure that the patient doesn’t accidentally get hurt because they’re constantly fidgeting.
With sedation, more procedures can be performed at the same time. This is especially beneficial for those with dental anxiety because it means fewer visits to our office. It can also help to suppress a gag reflex for those that have a severe one. These patients may not even be able to get traditional cleanings and checkups because of that gag reflex, let alone more extensive procedures.
Sedation Dentistry at Your Dentist in Hendersonville, North Carolina
Do you think you can benefit from sedation dentistry? Call us or schedule an appointment online.