Are you tentative or apprehensive about the potential pain and discomfort of dental procedures? We can help! Our office provides sedation. This method of sedation will put you in a relaxed, sleep-like state allowing you to remain at ease and comfortable during your entire dental treatment. Your vital signs are constantly monitored to assure your safety.
Dental phobia is extremely common. About 9-15 percent of all Americans have dental fear or phobia. That’s about 30 million to 40 million people. Fortunately, sedation dentistry is a safe, effective way to handle phobia.
People with dental phobia often have a higher risk of tooth loss and gum disease. Avoiding the dentist can make things worse over time.
Here are a few examples of patients who should consider Sedation Dentistry:
• Patients who need extensive surgical work
• Patients who have bad gag reflux or limited jaw opening
• Patients who are anxious or afraid and have dental fears
• Patients who have limited dental experience (such as young children)
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry refers to the use of sedatives/drugs to help patients relax during dental procedures. It can be as mild as simply helping the patient remain calm or as effective as rendering the patient unconscious (also known as “sleep dentistry”).
The two main categories of sedation are oral and IV. Oral sedation is a drug taken by the mouth, like valium. IV sedation is administered through the veins with a small needle.
Differences Between Oral and IV Sedation
If you have any fear of the dentist, sedation is probably a great option for you. Not only does it help you relax, it allows your dentist to work more efficiently and precisely.
In addition to giving the patient peace of mind, sedation dentistry makes it easier for Dr. Walrond to give you higher quality care. Oral sedation is usually used in shorter treatments. IV sedation is used for more involved procedures like full mouth dental implants, often allowing you to sleep through the entire procedure. You likely won’t even remember what procedures took place or how long it took!
Best of all, many insurance companies cover sedation. Sedation also allows most procedures to be completed in one day, making it an overall convenient and effective method of dentistry.
Say goodbye to the nightmare of dental phobia and start dreaming about your healthy smile. Ask us about sedation today!
