Visiting the dentist can make some people feel stressed, nervous, or even afraid. Some patients have minor stress. For others, it might have been so uncomfortable that they’ve avoided treatment for a long time, or simply don’t have the tolerance to be in the dental office for any length of time. Sedation dentistry can make the entire experience a little more comfortable. However, patients who seek out sedation dentistry will be shocked when they hear that this method is not just reserved for those who suffer severe phobia.
Sedation dentistry may be the best treatment option for patients at Atlanta West Dentistry who want a relaxed dental treatment. So, are you a good candidate for sedation dentistry? It’s more than likely! Even if you aren’t terrified, if you’re nervous about having to undergo a procedure, or even if you simply want your appointment time at the dental office in Marietta, GA to go by a lot faster, sedation dentistry is something you should strongly consider. Read more about what kinds of patients are good candidates below.
It’s Not All About Fear
There is a misunderstanding that sedation dentistry is solely for those with severe dental anxiety. But in fact, there are many reasons why sedation dentistry could be suitable for someone.
This form of dentistry may be recommended for patients who:
- Are anxious or fearful about going to the dentist.
- Have difficulty relaxing in the dental chair.
- Need to get extensive dental work done during one visit.
- Have a sensitive gag reflex.
- Are bothered by sensitivity or discomfort during the procedures.
- Have difficulty maintaining a position for long periods of time.
- Have not visited the dentist in years due to stress or embarrassment.
Each patient has unique needs, so you can’t really define candidacy based off of just one thing.
Patients With Mild To Moderate Dental Anxiety
Patients who come in for sedation dentistry don’t necessarily have a phobia. They are just uncomfortable in the dental chair. They have increased stress levels leading up to their appointments, and they may not be able to sleep the night before. They may feel tense as soon as they enter the building.
Sedation dentistry helps:
- Provide a calmer experience overall.
- Minimize feelings of dread.
- Make treatment feel less overwhelming.
- Provide more comfort throughout the appointment.
Patients with mild to moderate anxiety are great candidates for oral sedation. This makes them more relaxed and allows them to stay conscious throughout the procedures.
Patients With Severe Dental Anxiety Or Phobia
Patients with severe dental anxiety often don’t want to go to the dentist at all. Some go years without getting dental care done. This leads to a more severe dental concern or disease developing over time.
Sedation dentistry helps:
- Patients who have had bad experiences in the past.
- Patients that panic or become extremely anxious before going to the dentist.
- Patients who have canceled or put off procedures due to anxiety.
- Patients who cannot finish a procedure without additional support.
Patients suffering from phobias or extreme fear might do better with IV sedation dentistry. IV sedation allows them to relax at a deeper level, which makes their procedures possible.
Patients Who Undergo Complex Or Long Dental Procedures
Sedation dentistry is often recommended for patients undergoing complex or long dental treatments. But even for patients who have no anxiety, sedation can be helpful for longer dental appointments.
Some treatments which often involve the use of sedation include:
- Dental implants.
- Full-mouth rehabilitation.
- Multiple restorations done in one appointment.
- Surgical tooth extractions.
- Comprehensive cosmetic treatment plans.
Using sedation can be a great way for a patient to feel comfortable throughout treatment and can allow a longer appointment to be more easily completed.
Patients With A Very Active Gag Reflex
Patients who gag easily find treatments very difficult. Even simple treatments can become more uncomfortable when patients gag frequently.
Sedation can help patients who gag by:
- Helping the patient to relax physically.
- Lessening the tendency to gag during treatment.
- Making treatment less uncomfortable.
- Allowing treatment to occur more smoothly.
So, if you have had problems with gagging during your dental treatments, sedation might be something that you might want to discuss with us.
Patients Who Have Trouble Sitting For An Extended Period Of Time
For patients who have medical conditions that make sitting in one spot for any length of time difficult, longer dental treatments can become uncomfortable. Patients who have problems with their neck, back, joints, or muscles can find a long dental appointment difficult.
Patients who might benefit from dental sedation could be those who:
- Have chronic pain.
- Have trouble keeping still during treatment.
- Have pain with longer treatments.
- Need to have treatment done over several appointments.
When a patient is able to relax, they can find that the entire treatment is more comfortable.
Health Factors Involved When Deciding On Eligibility
Although many patients are able to receive dental sedation, it is important to know that a thorough evaluation will need to be performed to determine if a patient is a suitable candidate. The patient’s well-being is always our highest priority.
During your consultation, we will be sure to take a complete review of:
- Your medical history.
- Medications or supplements you might be taking.
- Previous reactions to anesthesia or sedatives.
- Existing health problems.
- The treatment type being considered.
This complete evaluation helps our doctors recommend the treatment type that is the safest and most appropriate option for each patient.
How We Decide Which Sedation Is Right For You
Since every patient is different, there will be some who can benefit from oral sedation that provides a more relaxed feeling, and there are patients who might want the deeper sense of calm that intravenous sedation will give. When we recommend the most appropriate treatment type, we will look at several factors, including:
- The level of anxiety you experience.
- The complexity of your treatments.
- The type of anesthesia or sedatives you’ve had before.
- Your medical history.
- Your overall comfort during your dental visits.
It is not simply a matter of sedating the patient. It is a matter of making a treatment experience comfortable and right for you.
Let Us Help You Determine If You Would Benefit From Dental Sedation
If your dental anxiety, discomfort, or previous bad dental experiences have stopped you from having treatment, a sedation dentist can make your treatment as comfortable and much easier than you ever thought possible. Many patients who have previously avoided treatment appointments realize that with sedation, they can have the treatment they need in an atmosphere where they feel comfortable and at ease.
Our Atlanta West Dentistry team is here to help you learn about our dentistry options, answer your questions, and recommend treatments that fit your level of comfort and treatment needs. Patients throughout Marietta, GA can come to us in a welcoming atmosphere where we take our time in listening to and helping them obtain the care that they need. If you would like to schedule a visit with our dentistry team to see if a sedation dentist is right for you, call us today.