Sedation dentistry is a sedative that helps to calm patients during dental treatment. It can be used for many different reasons, such as anxiety or pain management. Many people have opted for this before any type of procedure. If you are someone who puts off visits to the dentist due to anxiety or fear, we invite you to learn more about the benefits of sedation dentistry today!

What is Dental Anxiety?

Dental anxiety is fear, stress, or anxiousness associated with a trip to the dentist. BetterHealth explains that this type of fear can be triggered by things like needles, drills, or just the dental setting in general. When this anxiety becomes so severe, it can lead to irrational fear and avoidance of the dentist altogether. When this happens, it’s known as dental phobia.

Additionally, mental health conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, or a previous head or neck injury can increase the likelihood of experiencing dental anxiety.

Risks of Dental Anxiety

While many adults understand the importance of proper oral care, not all are willing to visit the dentist due to their dental fear — even if they are experiencing dental health problems. Untreated dental problems can lead to an increased risk of infection and other health concerns. As the American Psychological Association reports, failing to seek treatment (such as sedation dentistry) could also result in additional stress, which is counterproductive to good mental health overall. 

How Dental Anxiety Affects Your Life

For someone who experiences dental anxiety, even a simple visit to the dentist can cause high stress and nervousness. This heightened state of arousal can make sedation dentistry a helpful treatment option.

When sedatives become part of your dental routine, they can help you feel more relaxed during difficult procedures, such as deep sedation and tooth extractions. Sedatives keep your brain sedated so you do not feel the pain associated with procedures or surgeries.

Patients who use sedation dentistry often find they also experience:

•  Less dental anxiety and stress before and after appointments
• Reduced recovery time after surgery, such as root canals
• Higher level of comfort during dental procedures, including cleanings and root canal procedures
• A more positive outlook on dentistry overall

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is a type of dental care that uses various methods to calm the patient throughout their appointment. This means that anxiety or fear-inducing triggers can be reduced.

The goal is to help patients remain relaxed during procedures, so treatment goes smoothly and quickly. Sedatives are extremely effective at reducing stress and anxiety simply because they act as a numbing agent with sedative benefits.

Oral Conscious Sedation

At Mountain Aire Dentistry, we know that not everyone feels comfortable when visiting the dentist. To help you feel more relaxed during your appointment with us, we offer oral conscious sedation. This form of sedition involves taking a sedative pill before your appointment. By the time your treatment begins, you will feel relaxed and comfortable.

This type of sedation won’t make you unconscious, however, you still may not remember every detail of your treatment. Due to this, you must have someone to drive you home after your appointment is done.

Sedation Dentistry for Pain

In addition to helping with the feelings of stress and anxiety prior to your appointment, sedation can also help keep you relaxed during a procedure that might be a little more uncomfortable than others.

For example, sedation can be used to ease the discomfort of a root canal or a particularly deep cleaning. If you have a particularly bad gag reflex, sedation is also a great option. 

Maintaining Dental Health at Home

We know sedation dentistry can help our adult patients receive the treatment that they need. At the same time, it’s important to maintain proper dental health at home, too. To maintain your dental health at home, it’s important that you do the following: 

• Brush your teeth morning and night, for two minutes each time.
• Use a fluoride toothpaste. 
• Floss once a day.
• Eat right, including limiting acidic foods that can cause enamel erosion. 
• Use a mouthwash to help further clean the mouth and remove bad bacteria.
• Schedule regular dental appointments every six months to clean your teeth and check for any potential problems early on.

Make an Appointment with Mountain Aire Dentistry Today

If sedation dentistry is something you’re interested in, feel free to contact our office today! Mountain Aire Dentistry wants to make sure you get the dental care you need while ensuring you feel comfortable in our care. Call us today to learn more: (303) 731-7755.