Sedation Dentistry Could Help You Manage Your Anxiety

Anxiety is a common reason why people avoid going to the dentist. Unfortunately, avoiding dental visits can lead to dental problems, which can worsen your anxiety. If dental anxiety is preventing you from getting the care you need, sedation dentistry may be right for you.

When it comes to having dental treatments done, some people experience a lot of anxiety. This can make treatments uncomfortable and more difficult to get through. Because of this, many dentists offer sedation options to help patients relax and get through treatment. When you work with a dentist who has invested in training to provide sedation to their patients with anxiety, you can rest assured that you are in great hands.

What Are the Benefits of Sedation Dentistry?

Many of the patients benefit from being able to complete their dental treatments without any discomfort or anxiety. For those patients who experience anxiety when they visit the dentist, our dentist in Redmond, OR, offers sedation dentistry at his practice. Whether it's nitrous oxide or oral conscious sedation, these options allow patients to have a comfortable and relaxed procedure. Oral conscious sedation is a type of sedation that allows the patient to relax while remaining conscious throughout the treatment process. This is a common option for patients who are nervous about undergoing surgery or other extensive procedures. Nitrous oxide is another popular sedation option that can be used for shorter appointments and treatments that don't require a lot of time to complete, such as fillings.

How Does Sedation Dentistry Work?

Local anesthesia is used to numb the area where the procedure will occur, so you won't feel any pain during the procedure. For more in-depth and extensive procedures, the dentist may recommend oral conscious sedation or IV moderate sedation. When you opt for one of these forms of sedation, you will be administered a pill to swallow before your appointment. The pill will help you relax in the dentist's chair until it is time for you to leave. You will be awake and able to respond to the dentist's questions but will likely not remember much from the appointment. Many patients prefer this option to the general anesthesia that is also available.

It is important to note that all patients will experience some level of discomfort during dental procedures, even those who have opted for sedation. This is because your mouth will be working for an hour or longer as your dentist works on your teeth. However, most patients do not experience severe pain during a dental procedure, thanks to local anesthesia and other pain management measures. If you are concerned about the pain you may experience during a procedure, talk to your dentist about your options to manage discomfort.

At our practice, we make our patient's dental our top priority. Visit our clinic to get a thorough examination to determine the best treatment for your condition.