How Sedation Dentistry Can Calm Your Anxiety
Sedation dentistry is the use of medication during dental procedures to prevent pain and discomfort. Dental anxiety can be defined as the nervousness of dental care procedures. Anxieties experienced could range from mild to severe in clients. They can lead to poor dental health due to evasion of treatment.
Our Broomfield dentist will administer the sedatives through one of the following ways:
- Intravenously (IV). The sedative is injected directly into your body through an IV.
- Orally. The sedatives are administered orally in the form of pills.
- Inhalation. This method uses a gas mask to help the client inhale the nitrous oxide before the procedure.
Causes of Dental Anxiety
Dental anxieties are common and can affect both children and adults. It can be associated with triggers such as drills, needles or a dental setting. Our dentist in Broomfield, CO, says dental anxieties can be caused by:
- A traumatic dental or health care experience – A traumatic episode can be caused by invasive treatments, such as dental extractions.
- Personal space invasion – One’s personal space is sacred, and violating it can cause discomfort and anxiety. This happens especially when one is inserting instruments into your mouth.
- Pain – The perception of pain is a major cause of dental anxiety. The fear of pain after and during the treatment procedures could trigger dental anxiety.
- Lack of control over the procedure – One may feel helpless as they occupy the dentist’s chair. The lack of control over what the dentist is doing in your mouth causes dental anxiety. This can be controlled by discussing the procedure with the dentist. A discussion prevents any unseen surprises and helps the dentist avoid any dental anxiety triggers.
Is Sedation the Solution?
The mouth is a gateway to your body. Your oral hygiene reflects your general wellbeing. Evading the dentist because of fear can result in health issues. Even if you brush and floss daily, you are at risk of getting dental and gum diseases. Having regular dental checkups ensures a healthy oral structure.
Using sedation dentistry, we provide a calm and comfortable environment for patients. It will eliminate your anxiety levels by putting you at ease.
Benefits of Sedation
Other than a painless experience, sedation dentistry also ensures that you can receive quality treatment. Other reasons why sedation is beneficial include the following:
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- Provides anxiety relief
At times, patients are afraid of pain or that the procedure could go wrong. Sedation dentistry allows nervous clients to feel comfortable throughout the procedure.
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- Pain or Discomfort Relief
Sedation dentistry is used to eliminate pain or discomfort during dental procedures. Your brain is unable to detect any pain while under the influence of anesthesia.
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- Anterograde Amnesia
While amnesia is not a desirable result, it is beneficial in sedation dentistry. A dental phobia develops over time and with each dental visit. Sedation dentistry prevents additional fear from developing. This happens because the brain is unable to register any unpleasant memories.
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- Prevents Gag Reflex
Gag reflexes are experienced when the throat is trying to expel a foreign material. They can be a hindrance to the dentist as they try to go deep into the oral cavity. Gag reflexes are paralyzed by sedation dentistry. This ensures that the dentist can do the routine efficiently and quickly.
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- Special Needs Patients
Certain disorders can cause anxiety and fear. Sedation dentistry ensures that clients with sensory processing disorders or autism spectrum disorders are comfortable. The dentist can perform both simple and extensive procedures for the patients.
Talk to Our Dentist
If you are looking for a sedation dentist near you, then visit our office in Brookfield. The American Dental Association licenses us to administer sedatives. There are different levels of sedative administration. It is important to discuss with our Brookfield sedation dentist your anxiety levels before the procedures.
The levels of sedation available at our dentistry include:
- Mild sedation. It is used on clients with mild anxieties. The sedative is given orally. A feeling of relaxation is experienced during the procedure.
- Moderate sedation. They are used on clients with moderate anxiety or those undergoing long or complex procedures.
- Deep sedation. The clients are between the conscious and the unconscious state during deep sedation. There is usually no recollection of the procedure. Have a trustworthy individual accompany you if you are to be deeply sedated.