The sound of a dental drill or even the smell of a dental office can make some people tense up before treatment even begins. Dental anxiety affects millions of people and is one of the biggest reasons patients postpone or avoid routine dental care, which can allow small problems to become larger and more painful over time. In fact, research finds that dental anxiety can lead people to delay treatment, which may result in a higher risk of poorer oral health outcomes.
For many patients, dental sedation offers a safe and effective way to stay comfortable during treatment while reducing fear and stress. But the right type of sedation depends on several factors, including your medical history, the procedure being performed, and your level of anxiety. Read on to learn how sedation dentistry can help reduce your dental anxiety, when it could be right for you, and where to find the best dentist in Scottsdale for safe dental sedation.
Who is a Good Candidate For Dental Sedation?
Dental sedation can help you feel more comfortable during restorative dental care, especially if a fear of dental treatment has kept you away from the dentist for months or even years. Good candidates for sedation dentistry include people with:
- Moderate to severe dental anxiety
- People with a strong gag reflex that makes dental care difficult
- Those with ultra-sensitive teeth
- Anyone with difficulty sitting still
- Someone with a history of traumatic dental experiences
Some patients also choose sedation because they need a lengthy procedure or multiple treatments completed during one visit. Children and adults with certain physical, developmental, or cognitive conditions may also benefit when it helps them receive care safely.
What Types Of Dental Sedation Are Available?
Dental sedation is not a one-size-fits-all treatment. Several options are available depending on your comfort level and the type of procedure you need:
- Nitrous oxide, often called laughing gas, which is inhaled through a small mask and helps patients feel relaxed while remaining awake
- Oral conscious sedation involves taking a prescribed medication before your appointment to reduce anxiety while allowing you to remain responsive
- IV sedation provides a deeper level of relaxation and is commonly used for longer or more complex procedures because the medication can be adjusted throughout treatment
- General anesthesia, only used in a hospital or surgical center, places patients into a controlled state of unconsciousness and is typically reserved for specific surgical procedures or patients with unique medical needs
Is Dental Sedation Safe?
Dental sedation has an excellent safety record when it is provided by trained professionals who follow established guidelines.
- Before treatment, the best dentist in Scottsdale will review your health history, allergies, and current medications to identify any factors that could affect your care
- During sedation, your breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels are closely monitored
- After your procedure, you’ll be closely monitored as the sedation wears off and released to have someone drive you home after you are able to speak, drink some water, and understand your discharge instructions
Patients with certain medical conditions, including severe heart or lung disease, may require additional precautions or consultation with their physician before receiving sedation.
What Dental Procedures Can Be Made More Comfortable with Dental Sedation?
Dental sedation is usually recommended for procedures that are more time-consuming or involve multiple areas of the mouth. Common examples include:
- Wisdom tooth removal
- Dental implant placement
- Tooth extractions and bone grafts
- Root canal therapy
- Full-mouth reconstruction
Some patients also choose sedation when combining several treatments into one appointment, which can reduce the number of office visits. Even routine procedures such as professional dental cleanings or dental fillings may be performed with sedation for patients who experience severe dental anxiety or have special health care needs that make treatment more difficult.
Where to Find the Best Dentist in Scottsdale for Dental Sedation
Putting off dental care because of fear can allow small concerns to become larger problems. Kallos Dental Aesthetics helps patients move forward with treatment by offering safe dental sedation in a calm, supportive setting. Led by Dr. Cole Bisbing, who earned his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Arizona State University and his Doctor of Dental Surgery from Creighton University School of Dentistry, we are dedicated to providing modern dentistry with the most advanced techniques and thoughtful care at every visit.
Ready to feel more comfortable in the dental chair with the best sedation dentist in Scottsdale?
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