Many people have a fear of going to the dentist and as a result they may avoid going altogether, avoiding necessary treatments like extractions or root canals. The problem with avoiding the dentist, however, is that these people are often living with pain that could be relieved, not to mention the fact that they are putting their health at risk. Thankfully, sedation dentistry is making dental visits easier for many of these patients.
While many people would prefer to have a more relaxed experience during their dental visits, there are some who are concerned about how the anesthesia might affect them and we are frequently asked about the safety of sedation dentistry.
The good news is that when sedation dentistry is performed by an experienced dentist, it is generally considered safe. While there are different levels of sedation, a common kind used in dentistry is a form of conscious sedation. The anesthesia helps the patient to relax their muscles and their mind while still leaving them conscious enough to communicate with their dentist.
One important benefit of the anesthesia that is used for conscious sedation is that the dental team can control exactly how much the patient gets. Since everybody’s body responds differently, they can ensure the patient gets just the right amount to keep them calm, relaxed and pain-free.
Following a procedure done under sedation, the patient is likely to feel a bit groggy and they will need to have a friend or family member available who is able to drive them home as they should not be driving themselves.
Conclusion
For most people, sedation dentistry is very safe. In fact, it is rapidly becoming a very popular option because it reduces much of the anxiety that can be involved with dental procedures. The option to be put under sedation means that people are less likely to avoid the dentist and put off important treatments.
If you think that sedation dentistry may be right for you, contact our office today.