Sedation dentistry is an oral medical procedure involving the administration of sedatives through an intravenous route, normally to ease a dental procedure for patients and reduce patient anxiety associated with the experience. Sedation dentistry can be administered by general anesthetists or by dentist hygienists in the case of emergencies. It is not, however, an appropriate substitute for emergency dental procedures. Before undergoing any type of sedation dentistry, it is recommended that patients see a qualified medical practitioner for a thorough examination. Certain conditions such as allergies, heart problems, and extreme depression may require immediate medical assistance. Sedation dentistry can only be used in the dental offices of participating dentist practitioners.
When opting for sedation dentistry, you need to discuss your dental treatment plans with your chosen dentist to make sure that he will carry out the procedure according to your needs. General anesthesia or sedation dentistry can be administered for a variety of procedures including dental implants and root canal treatment. In some cases, dental treatment might be delayed for a short period to allow the patient to calm down. However, you should always be aware that sedation dentistry carries certain risks and complications. While the procedure might relieve some of your anxiety, it is unlikely that the level of comfort would be as good as normal oral surgery.
Some people worry about the side effects of sedation dentistry and therefore avoid undergoing it. Sedation takes quite some time to take effect and therefore, there would be some time lag between your dental treatment and the actual happening of the procedure. Some patients also worry that they will lose their sense of reality during and after the procedure. While these concerns are legitimate, you should remember that after the procedure, you will still be able to perform most routine tasks. You can also drive yourself home after the procedure.
There are many advantages associated with this form of dentistry, which has been adopted by most clinics. First, sedation dentistry relieves patients from the pain and inconvenience of dental procedures. This in turn allows patients to get on with recovering faster and accomplishing everyday tasks without the fear of getting hurt or embarrassed.
Second, most dental procedures carried out by sedation dentists involve relatively simple procedures. For example, dental implants require only small incisions while root canal treatments involve multiple small cuts. This means that the recovery process is much faster when a patient undergoes these procedures under the care of a dentist. It also ensures that patients are able to get back to their daily routines faster because they do not have to worry about attending appointments or remembering to make them. The added convenience of these procedures makes them a popular choice for both routine treatments and emergency procedures.
Third, sedation dentistry can help a patient relax during a dental procedure. Many patients find it hard to smile when they are nervous or anxious about certain aspects of treatment. The medication used for the procedure relaxes the patient and reduces their anxiety levels. This is an important element of any dental procedure, as it helps patients to be more relaxed about the entire experience.