Are you thinking about undergoing a major dental procedure, such as dental implant placement? Many patients are nervous about their surgery. If that is true of you, be sure to ask your care provider if sedation dentistry is right for you. It may be the ideal way to create a more positive oral care experience, especially if any of the following are true:
Dental Work Causes You to Experience Anxiety or Nervousness
Due to past trauma, negative media depictions of dentistry, or other factors, you might experience some feelings of anxiety or nervousness at the prospect of undergoing an invasive dental procedure. Sedation can induce strong feelings of relaxation—you might even forget your treatment experience altogether!
Dental Work Is Painful for You
Some people have sensitive oral tissues or are not easily numbed by local anesthesia. Others have a medical condition that makes it uncomfortable or even painful to sit in the treatment chair for a long period of time. Dental sedation is great for such people because it dulls the body’s response to pain. In fact, many patients feel little to nothing during their treatment!
You Have a Strong Gag Reflex
If you often start gagging while brushing your teeth or cleaning your tongue, you may have a similar reaction during dental treatments. Your gag reflex could not only make you uncomfortable, but it could also limit your oral surgery team’s ability to provide you with top-quality care. Sedation can lessen your gag reflex so you can enjoy efficient treatment.
You Need a Long or Complex Procedure
If you are getting multiple implants placed, or you will undergo multiple procedures in a single appointment, sedation is highly recommended. You will not have to worry about the sights and sounds of the oral surgery office, and you will not notice the discomfort that can come with keeping your mouth open for an extended period of time.
You Are Free from Contraindications for Sedation
Dental sedation is perfectly safe for most people, but there are some groups for whom it is not suitable. For example, it is usually not recommended for pregnant women, people with certain respiratory conditions, or people with certain allergies. If you have any such contraindications, your oral surgery team will have to come up with an alternative plan to provide care that is as comfortable as possible.
Is sedation dentistry right for you? Talk to your dentist or oral surgery team to find out!
Meet the Practice
The three board-certified oral surgeons at Piney Point Dental Implant Center aim to provide comfortable care for each and every patient. We offer multiple levels of sedation, from mild nitrous oxide to powerful IV sedation. To learn more about how we can help you to relax during your next procedure, contact our office at 713-597-7340.