Sedation dentistry is the use of medication to help patients relax during their dental procedure. Sedation dentistry is an important tool for patients who experience fear of the dentist, patients who have sensitive teeth, and for patients undergoing long dental procedures. Weninger Dentistry offers sedation to patients because it helps make going to the dentist a more positive experience.
Why Sedation Dentistry?
Fear of the dentist is a real problem that can prevent patients from making dental appointments. Delaying treatments can exacerbate dental conditions, leading to more uncomfortable dental procedures, more fear of the dentist, and life-long dental problems.
At Weninger Dentistry, we provide nitrous oxide and oral sedation in the form of a pill to patients who need it. Nitrous oxide is a gas that is inhaled during the procedure. Most patients like nitrous oxide because it’s fast-acting, wears off quickly, and patients can return to work as soon as the dental procedure is over.
Sedative pills are taken before the appointment begins. Patients typically feel drowsy during the appointment, and some even fall asleep! When the appointment is over, patients usually need a ride home.
Relieving Dentist Anxiety
Sedation dentistry makes going to the dentist a more comfortable and enjoyable experience. Most patients who have dental anxiety feel much better making their appointment knowing that they’ll feel comfortable while it’s happening.
Utilizing Anterograde Amnesia
Often, dental anxiety stems from previous dental discomfort. Revisiting old memories of the dentist only heightens the anxiety.
Sedation dentistry combats this problem by preventing patients from making new memories of their dental experience. The appointment flies by when you’re under sedation, the experience is far more comfortable, and when you’re done, most of the memories are a fuzzy blur. This prevents more fear of the dentist from building.
Offers Pain Relief
Tooth and gum pain is an undesirable side effect of some dental procedures. Some sedatives prevent the patient from experiencing pain, while others give the patient a sense of detachment that makes discomfort less meaningful. They feel a sense of euphoria and calm throughout the procedure, while discomfort fades into the background.
Treatment Can Be Done Faster
Fear of the procedure and discomfort experienced during the procedure can slow down dental work dramatically. Reactions like clenching up, flinching, and requesting frequent breaks can make even simple dental cleanings take twice as long.
The dentist can work much faster when the patient is relaxed throughout the procedure, which makes going to the dentist less onerous.
Need Sedation Dentistry? See Your Dentist in Tampa, FL
Going to the dentist should be a comfortable experience. No one should ever have to avoid going to the dentist for fear of pain or discomfort. Weninger Dentistry provides sedation dentistry to patients in Tampa. To learn more about how sedation dentistry can benefit you, contact us.