Fear of the dentist is a very common type of phobia that people may experience. Neglecting dental care can affect the health, appearance, and function of a person’s teeth and gums. It can also harm overall health by allowing germs into the body through problems like infection. Sedation dentistry offers a safe and effective way for patients with dental fears to get the care they need.

Most dental procedures don’t actually require sedation, or at least not more than light amounts. Mild anesthetics like a shot of Novocain are usually used for simple procedures such as getting a cavity filled. However, patients with dental fears can benefit from stronger sedation levels even for minor treatments. Helping these types of patients relax enough to get necessary care may be the only way to accomplish the procedures.

Some types of medications offered during dental sedation include anti-anxiety drugs, tranquilizers, depressants or nitrous oxide. There are a variety of methods for administering the drugs as well. Swallowing oral pills, inhaling nitrous oxide gas, or injecting drugs directly into the vein are all common options. Most of these types of sedation have few to no side effects, and risks are minimal when sedation is performed by a trained and qualified dentist.

Dental sedation is helpful to healthcare professionals as well as patients. Dentists are able to perform longer or more complex procedures when patients are sedated. Multiple procedures are also made possible in a single visit when dental sedation is used. Dentists commonly find it simpler to work on relaxed, cooperative patients instead of nervous and fidgety ones.

Most patients aren’t aware of treatments that occur while under sedation, so they are more likely to return to the dentist in the future. Sedation also eliminates pain so that patients are comfortable throughout treatment. These benefits make sedation appealing to patients with dental fears, allowing them to achieve better oral health without the accompanying anxiety.